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), sold at Sotheby's New York on Wednesday (July 17) for a record-breaking $44.6 million, making it the most valuable fossil ever sold at auction.

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.

Stegosaurus lived around 150 million years ago during the Jurassic period and are known for their distinctive dermal armor that extends from their neck to tail.

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.

The name Apex was given to underscore its prominence within the Stegosaurus family.

Apex is the largest, most complete Stegosaurus ever found.