Rare Stegosaurus Fossil Estimated to Bring in $6 Million at Sotheby's Auction: Is Selling Ethical?
Tech & AI | July 14, 2024, 5:23 a.m.
Sotheby's is set to auction a stegosaurus fossil known as "Apex" with an expected price tag of $4 million to $6 million. The 150-million-year-old specimen, considered one of the most complete of its kind, has sparked controversy over the commercialization of paleontological artifacts. Paleontologist Cary Woodruff, among those who viewed the fossil, argues against the auctioning of fossils, claiming they have no monetary value and should be preserved for scientific study. He suggests replicas as a viable alternative for collectors looking to showcase these rare artifacts. Sotheby's defends its auctions, stating that most clients purchase specimens for museums or donate them. The debate over the commercialization of fossils continues to deepen the divide between academic and commercial paleontology, raising questions about the ethical implications of selling precious artifacts to the highest bidder.