Meet Apex: The $44.6 Million Stegosaurus Making History in NYC

Dinosaurs have long captured the imagination, but few specimens have done so quite like "Apex," the $44.6 million Stegosaurus now on display at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York City. Unearthed in 2022 and boasting a remarkable 80% of its original bones, this fossil is poised to transform our understanding of one of the most iconic dinosaurs of the Late Jurassic period.

The Journey to New York

Apex’s journey began in Colorado’s Dinosaur region, where it was excavated in near-pristine condition. In July 2024, billionaire hedge fund manager Kenneth C. Griffin purchased the skeleton at a Sotheby’s auction for a record-breaking $44.6 million. Instead of keeping it in a private collection, Griffin chose to loan the fossil to AMNH for four years, ensuring it could be studied by paleontologists and enjoyed by the public. After its time on display, a high-quality cast will replace the original bones to continue educating visitors. This decision highlights a growing trend of private collectors collaborating with institutions to preserve important scientific artifacts.

A Stegosaurus Like No Other

Apex stands out not just for its completeness but also for the scientific opportunities it offers. At 11.5 feet tall and 27 feet long, it provides a detailed look at the Stegosaurus's anatomy, including its iconic plates and spiked tail. Roger Benson, AMNH’s Macaulay Curator of Paleontology, emphasizes the importance of the specimen: “Stegosaurus is one of the top dinosaurs known by the general public, but scientifically, we have much more to learn.”

Researchers hope to use Apex to better understand the growth patterns, metabolism, and defensive behaviors of Stegosaurus. Its exceptional preservation allows for detailed studies that were previously impossible, offering new insights into this ancient herbivore’s life and environment.

A Dinosaur for Everyone

Now prominently displayed in AMNH’s fossil halls, Apex is mounted in a dynamic pose with its tail raised defensively — an exciting and scientifically accurate representation of how the dinosaur might have protected itself. This thrilling addition to the museum’s exhibits is already capturing visitors’ imaginations while providing an unparalleled opportunity to learn about a 150-million-year-old species. Griffin’s decision to share Apex underscores the importance of making paleontological discoveries accessible to the public. By combining private funding with institutional expertise, this collaboration ensures that Apex serves as both an educational tool and a symbol of our enduring fascination with dinosaurs.