Billionaire investor Ken Griffin, owner of hedge fund Citadel, recently purchased a record-breaking $44.6 million stegosaurus skeleton named “Apex”.
The 11-foot-tall fossil is now the world’s most costly dinosaur skeleton. It was auctioned off by Christie’s and piqued the interest of many curious bidders before it was eventually acquired by Griffin.
“Apex” will be on loan at the Chicago Field Museum to allow the public a closer look at this emotive piece of history. Griffin’s investment shows his dedication to promoting scientific exploration and education.
Known for his impressive collection of artworks and valuable assets, Griffin’s investment in “Apex” emphasizes his continuous support of art and history.
The dinosaur skeleton was found in May 2022 in Colorado.
Griffin’s record-breaking stegosaurus acquisition
Jason Cooper, a paleontologist, discovered the impressive structure.
The 150 million-year-old skeleton is appreciated for maintaining 254 out of an estimated 319 bones, a rare feat in the world of paleontology.
The auction started at a preliminary estimate of $6 million, but escalated to a final price of $44.6 million following a tense 15-minute bidding war between Griffin and six other eager collectors.
The sale has been in progress for years and culminated with its record sale in New York. The skeleton was sold to Griffin, a private collector with a deep passion for paleontology, hinting that the piece has found the right home.
Griffin’s plans to display the fossil publicly show his commitment to advancing scientific understanding and promoting paleontology. Despite his considerable net worth, estimated at $37.8 billion by Forbes, Griffin’s goal is to inspire future generations and make significant contributions to museums and educational establishments.
This move aligns with his previous philanthropic efforts, such as his generous donation of $16.5 million to the Field Museum in Chicago in 2017, which showcased the largest Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever discovered.
All of Griffin’s efforts demonstrate his commitment towards stimulating interest in history and providing the broader American community opportunities to enjoy and learn about these fascinating pieces of history.
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