Billionaire investor Ken Griffin, known for his role as founder and CEO of hedge fund Citadel, made headlines recently with his purchase of a late-Jurassic stegosaurus skeleton for a whopping $44.6 million at a Sotheby’s auction. The skeleton, named “Apex,” is estimated to be around 150 million years old, standing at 11 feet tall and nearly 27 feet long from nose to tail. This purchase has set a new record for the most valuable fossil ever sold at auction, far exceeding initial estimations of $6 million.
A Surprising Victory
Griffin’s acquisition of Apex at the live auction in New York came after he faced stiff competition from six other bidders, with the bidding war lasting for 15 minutes. In a jubilant declaration following his win, Griffin expressed his intention to keep the stegosaurus within the United States, stating, “Apex was born in America and is going to stay in America!” This sentiment reflects his deep-rooted patriotism and commitment to preserving national treasures within the country.
Despite the hefty price tag attached to Apex, Griffin has expressed his desire to share the skeleton with the public by potentially loaning it to a U.S. institution for display. This move aligns with his past philanthropic endeavors, such as his $16.5 million donation to the Field Museum in Chicago to support the exhibition of a touchable cast of the largest dinosaur ever discovered. Griffin’s passion for paleontology and history is further showcased by his acquisition of a first-edition copy of the U.S. Constitution in 2021, for which he paid $43.2 million.
Apex, the stegosaurus skeleton, was unearthed on private land in Moffat County, Colorado, and is a nearly complete specimen with 254 fossil bone elements. Remarkably, the fossil shows no signs of combat-related injuries or evidence of post-mortem scavenging, indicating a well-preserved and intact representation of the ancient creature. Griffin’s continued investment in artifacts and fossils underscores his dedication to preserving and showcasing significant pieces of history for future generations to admire and learn from.
Ken Griffin’s acquisition of the stegosaurus skeleton Apex not only marks a record-breaking purchase in the world of paleontology but also reflects his passion for history and commitment to preserving invaluable artifacts. This unprecedented transaction serves as a testament to Griffin’s influence and dedication to supporting the exploration and preservation of our planet’s rich natural and cultural heritage.