A towering Stegosaurus dinosaur fossil standing at 11 feet tall (3.35 meters), 20 feet (6.1 meters) in length and boasting an impressive femur length of 45 inches (1.14 meters), will be up for auction at Sotheby's in New York on July 17.
The auction represents a significant milestone as it marks the first time an auction house has been involved in bringing a dinosaur specimen to market right from its discovery. Sotheby's closely collaborated with the owner, renowned commercial paleontologist Jason Cooper, to document the entire process - from its discovery and excavation to its restoration, preparation, and mounting.
The well-preserved Apex, about 70% complete, exhibits no signs of combat or predation-related injuries, suggesting a peaceful life. However, evidence of arthritis indicates it lived to an advanced age, marking it as a singular specimen of its kind.