Title: Billionaire Investor Shatters Auction Records with $44.6 Million Purchase of Stegosaurus Skeleton

In a groundbreaking auction, billionaire investor Ken Griffin has made history by splurging a staggering $44.6 million for a dinosaur skeleton, marking the most valuable fossil to ever sell at auction. The impressive specimen, known as "Apex," is the largest and most intact stegosaurus skeleton ever discovered.

Excavated just outside present-day Dinosaur, Colorado, in May 2022, Apex stands at an awe-inspiring height of 11 feet (3.3 meters) and stretches an impressive 27 feet (8.2 meters) in length. Palaeontologist Jason Cooper, responsible for the excavation, meticulously preserved 254 out of an estimated 319 bones, making the skeleton nearly complete.

The auction at Sotheby's saw intense bidding as Mr. Griffin outclassed six other participants, securing the coveted skeleton after a 15-minute auction. Initially anticipated to sell for around $6 million, the final purchase price of $44.6 million shattered all expectations, establishing a new record for the sale of dinosaur fossils.

Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby's global head of science and popular culture, expressed her excitement about the unprecedented sale. She stated, "'Apex' lived up to its name today, inspiring bidders globally to become the most valuable fossil ever sold at auction. This sale has been years in the making, and at every turn, we have worked closely with Jason Cooper, from the moment of its discovery in Dinosaur, Colorado, to its sale in New York."

Ken Griffin, the billionaire investor behind the monumental purchase, is known for his contributions to the Republican party and boasts a net worth of approximately $37.8 billion according to Forbes. Rather than keeping the priceless fossil for his private collection, Griffin plans to loan the skeleton to various institutions across the United States, ensuring it can be appreciated and studied by many.

The acquisition of Apex has not only made headlines for its astronomical price but also for its scientific significance. Estimated to be 150 million years old, this remarkable stegosaurus skeleton provides invaluable insights into the prehistoric world and its ancient inhabitants.

With this groundbreaking sale, the fascination with dinosaurs and the quest for understanding our planet's past has reached new heights. The record-breaking purchase of Apex highlights the enduring allure and remarkable value of these ancient fossils, reminding us of the awe-inspiring wonders that lie buried beneath our feet.