The largest and most complete Stegosaurus fossil ever discovered is set to go up for auction next month. Although the sale of fossil fuels is expected to fetch up to $6 million, there are mixed opinions about its value.
The dinosaur fossil, standing 11 feet tall and 20 feet long, consists of 248 bones and is slated to be sold during Sotheby’s Geek Week.
The fossil was excavated near the Morrison Formation in Colorado in 2023. The dinosaur’s age is between 146 million and 161 million years.
Paleontologists are raising questions about selling such a specimen to a private bidder, arguing that it should be preserved in a museum or property accessible to the public. The fossil going to a private collector will prevent public access, denying scientists the ability to study it.
Despite the pushback, the auction is expected to proceed on July 17 in New York.
Sotheby’s described the fossil as “the finest Stegosaurus specimen to come to market, as its nickname ‘Apex’ suggests.” They also anticipate it to be one of the most valuable dinosaur fossils ever sold, with an estimated auction price between $4 million and $6 million.
Known for its unique shape, the Stegosaurus is a herbivorous dinosaur with a small head, plates along its back, and a spiked tail.
Apex will be displayed at the Sotheby’s galleries in New York before the auction. The exhibition will be free and open to the public.
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