Billionaire investor Ken Griffin has made headlines by purchasing the largest-ever Stegosaurus skeleton, known as “Apex,” for a record-breaking $44.6 million at a Sotheby’s auction. This purchase marks the most valuable fossil ever sold at auction.
The Stegosaurus, which stands 11 feet tall and measures 27 feet from head to tail, was discovered in May 2022 near Dinosaur, Colorado. Nearly 80% of its bones were recovered, making it one of the most complete Stegosaurus skeletons ever found.
Griffin, the founder of Citadel hedge fund with a net worth of $38.3 billion, outbid six other contenders to acquire this prehistoric marvel. He plans to loan the skeleton to various institutions for public display, with a focus on keeping it in the United States. “Apex was born in America and is going to stay in America,” Griffin stated in a press release following his win.
Griffin has a history of supporting fossil displays. In 2018, he donated $16.5 million to Chicago’s Field Museum for an exhibit featuring the largest dinosaur ever discovered. He is also recognized as one of the top 200 art collectors globally, with a collection valued at $1 billion.
Before Apex, the record for the most expensive dinosaur skeleton was held by a nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex named “Stan,” which sold for $31.8 million at Christie’s Auction in 2020.
In addition to his fossil collection, Griffin’s eclectic preservation efforts include purchasing one of the 13 known first-edition copies of the U.S. Constitution for $43.2 million in November 2021. He bought it at his son’s request to ensure it remained accessible to the public in America.
Griffin’s philanthropic endeavors extend beyond fossils. In May 2022, he won two seats on a Blue Origins spaceflight, which he donated to two New York City public school teachers.
Ken Griffin’s acquisition of Apex not only sets a new auction record but also reflects his commitment to preserving historical artifacts and making them available for public education and enjoyment.
