Billionaire investor Ken Griffin, the founder and CEO of Citadel, recently made headlines by purchasing a late Jurassic stegosaurus skeleton for a whopping $44.6 million at Sotheby’s auction. This marks the most valuable fossil ever sold at an auction, surprising many as the stegosaurus, named “Apex,” was initially expected to sell for around $6 million.
The 150 million-year-old stegosaurus, measuring 11 feet tall and nearly 27 feet long from nose to tail, is a nearly complete skeleton with 254 fossil bone elements. Griffin emerged victorious in a competitive bidding war with six other participants, securing the prized specimen after 15 minutes of intense competition. He has expressed his intention to loan the stegosaurus to a U.S. institution, showcasing his commitment to keeping the fossil in America.
Interestingly, Apex exhibits no signs of combat-related injuries or post-mortem scavenging, according to Sotheby’s. The stegosaurus was discovered on private land in Moffat County, Colorado, adding to its unique and valuable history.
This is not the first time Ken Griffin has made headlines for his extravagant purchases. In 2018, he generously donated $16.5 million to Chicago’s Field Museum to support the display of a touchable cast of the largest dinosaur ever found, a massive herbivore from Argentina. Additionally, in 2021, Griffin outbid a group of cryptocurrency investors to acquire a first-edition copy of the U.S. Constitution for $43.2 million. He later loaned this significant historical document to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas, showcasing his passion for preserving and sharing cultural artifacts.
Griffin’s latest acquisition of the stegosaurus adds to his impressive collection of rare and valuable items, further solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in the world of high-end investing and philanthropy. His dedication to supporting educational and cultural institutions through his acquisitions highlights his commitment to preserving history and enriching public knowledge.
As Griffin continues to make headlines with his notable purchases, his impact on the worlds of finance, art, and science remains significant. His latest acquisition of the stegosaurus serves as a testament to his passion for history and his dedication to sharing unique and valuable artifacts with the public.
