Apex, one of the most complete Dinosaur Skeleton fossils ever discovered, is now on display at the American Museum of Natural History, captivating visitors with its incredible preservation and historical significance
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World’s Priciest Dinosaur Skeleton Unveiled in New York City
The most expensive Dinosaur Skeleton ever auctioned is now on public display at the American Museum
Natural History (AMNH) in New York City. This remarkable specimen, named “Apex,” is a Stegosaurus skeleton discovered in May 2022 near Dinosaur, Colorado, by commercial paleontologist Jason Cooper. Unearthed from the Morrison Formation—a sedimentary rock layer dating back to the late Jurassic period—Apex lived approximately 150 million years ago.
What sets Apex apart is its exceptional completeness. Around 80% of its skeleton has been preserved, making it one of the most intact Stegosaurus fossils ever found. This level of preservation offers a rare opportunity for scientists to deepen their understanding of Stegosaurus biology. By studying Apex alongside other Stegosaurus specimens, paleontologists hope to uncover insights into the growth and development of these iconic dinosaurs, which started life as kitten-sized hatchlings and grew to lengths surpassing a minibus.
Roger Benson, the Macaulay Curator of Paleontology at AMNH, expressed the scientific significance of the exhibit. “As exciting as it is to have this dinosaur on display, it is even more exciting to have the opportunity to study it and make important scientific data available for research,” Benson stated. “Stegosaurus is one of the most well-known dinosaurs among the public, but scientifically, there’s still much to learn.”
The mounted Apex skeleton is an impressive sight, standing 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) tall and stretching 27 feet (8.2 meters) in length. Its dramatic pose, with a spiked tail raised as if ready for defense, captures the imagination of museum visitors. However, Apex is not a permanent fixture at the AMNH. The fossil is on loan from its owner, hedge fund manager and billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin, who purchased it at auction for a staggering $44.6 million in July 2024.
This sale set a new record for dinosaur fossils, surpassing the previous high of $31.8 million paid for a T. rex named “Stan” in 2020. Unlike Stan, which vanished into private ownership for two years, Apex’s presence at the AMNH ensures its accessibility for both public viewing and scientific study. The exhibit underscores the ongoing tension between private fossil sales and the scientific community’s need to preserve and study these ancient treasures
In 2022, the famous T. rex skeleton “Stan,” which had been missing from public view, was revealed to be in Abu Dhabi. It is scheduled to go on display in 2025 at the newly built National History Museum there. Meanwhile, the Stegosaurus skeleton “Apex” remains accessible for research and public display. The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) will showcase the fossil for the next four years, after which a cast will take its place. During this time, the research community will have the opportunity to study Apex extensively.
Hedge fund manager Kenneth C. Griffin, who purchased Apex, has funded a three-year postdoctoral fellowship dedicated to its research. Scientists aim to determine Apex’s specific Stegosaurus species and explore questions about the dinosaur’s metabolism and growth. Research methods include taking a sample from Apex’s thigh bone and performing CT scans of its skull to examine its structure in detail.
While Apex holds the title for the most expensive dinosaur fossil, another record was recently broken. Last month, a 70-foot-long Apatosaurus skeleton, the longest dinosaur ever sold at auction, fetched over $6 million in France. The anonymous buyer has agreed to allow scientists access to the specimen for further study.