Billionaire investor Ken Griffin made headlines recently by purchasing a late-Jurassic stegosaurus skeleton for a whopping $44.6 million at a Sotheby’s auction. This acquisition marked the most valuable fossil ever sold at auction, surpassing all previous records in the paleontology world. The 150 million-year-old stegosaurus, named “Apex,” stands tall at 11 feet and measures nearly 27 feet in length from nose to tail. With 254 fossil bone elements, it is considered a nearly complete skeleton.
Surprising Auction Results
Initially expected to sell for around $6 million, Apex exceeded all expectations as Griffin engaged in a fierce bidding war with six other participants. After 15 minutes of intense competition, Griffin emerged as the victor, securing his place in history as the owner of this extraordinary prehistoric artifact. His plans include potentially loaning the stegosaurus to a U.S. institution for further research and display, showcasing its significance in the realm of natural history.
After winning the auction, Griffin expressed his excitement about keeping Apex in the United States, stating, “Apex was born in America and is going to stay in America!” This sentiment reflects his commitment to preserving and promoting American heritage, whether it be through paleontological discoveries or historical artifacts. The stegosaurus itself presents an invaluable source of information, showing no signs of combat-related injuries or post-mortem scavenging, according to Sotheby’s.
Griffin’s passion for supporting educational and cultural institutions is evident through his generous donations and acquisitions. In 2018, he gifted $16.5 million to Chicago’s Field Museum to aid in the display of a touchable cast of the largest dinosaur ever found, a massive herbivore from Argentina. Additionally, in 2021, he outbid a group of cryptocurrency investors to acquire a first-edition copy of the U.S. Constitution for $43.2 million. This historic document was later loaned to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas, further emphasizing Griffin’s dedication to preserving national treasures.
Ken Griffin’s acquisition of the stegosaurus skeleton at a record-breaking price exemplifies his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and cultural heritage. By investing in rare fossils and historical artifacts, Griffin not only enriches his personal collection but also contributes to the educational and research efforts of museums and institutions worldwide. His continued philanthropy in the fields of paleontology and history serves as a testament to the enduring value of preserving our planet’s past for future generations.