Megalodon Tooth - Otodus megalodon (Miocene to Pliocene)

Name: Megalodon Tooth - Otodus megalodon (Miocene to Pliocene)
Brand: The Collector
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Dark grey fossilized Megalodon shark tooth with sharp serrations and a large bifurcated root, displayed on a clear acrylic stand. - view 1

1/3

Estimated value

$150 - $350

Rarity

Average(4/10)

MEGALODON TOOTH - OTODUS MEGALODON (MIOCENE TO PLIOCENE): IDENTIFICATION

A fossilized shark tooth from the extinct species Otodus megalodon. The specimen features a diagnostic chevron-shaped neck, known as a bourlette, between the tooth blade and the bifurcated root. The labial surface exhibits dark grey to black mineral mineralization of the enameloid, with visible longitudinal grooves and finely preserved distal and mesial serrations. The root is robust and porous, typical of chondrichthyan dental fossils.

Compare with other fossils in the archive: Trilobite - Drotops megalomanicus (Devonian, Ma'der Basin, Morocco) 11cm, Prepared, Fossil Fish Positive/Negative - Vinctifer comptoni (Cretaceous, Santana Formation, Brazil), Marine Fossil Assemblage in Matrix (Silurian/Devonian erratic).

COLLECTOR NOTES

The bite force of a Megalodon is estimated between 108,000 and 182,000 newtons, which is roughly ten times that of a modern Great White shark.

SCARCITY

Average55-70%

CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Rarity 4/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 11 fossils items at rarity 4 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

Standard antique shop items
Regularly available
Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

Anatomical features including the bourlette and serrations are consistent with natural fossilization
Surface mineral patina and root porosity are correct for genuine specimens from Southeast US localities

How does authenticity detection work?

PALEONTOLOGIST'S TAKE

Paleontology Specialist

Fossil Expert

The morphometrics and mineralization patterns are highly characteristic of North American Megalodon specimens, and the image clarity allows for the confirmation of diagnostic features like the bourlette.

KEY EVIDENCE

1Visible V-shaped bourlette diagnostic of Otodus megalodon
2Presence of fine distal serrations along the blade edge
3Permineralized bifurcated root with characteristic phosphate-rich coloration
4Symmetry suggests a primary anterior position in the jaw

UNCERTAINTIES

•Potential stabilization or repair adhesive visible at the root line
•Lack of precise locality documentation (e.g., specific river or pit name)

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Inspect the tooth under long-wave UV light to check for epoxy or restoration materials near the root-blade junction
→Measure the slanted height from tip to root lobe to determine accurate market size (inches)
→Perform a microscopic inspection of serration density to confirm species

CONDITION & GRADE

Fine to Very Fine

Grading breakdown

The tooth retains excellent serrations and tip sharpess, though the root shows some evidence of distal erosion and a possible repair seam.

Condition

The tip is intact and the serrations show minimal feeding wear. There is a horizontal fracture line visible at the junction of the root and bourlette, which may indicate a stabilized repair common in larger specimens.

SPECIMEN MARKET VALUE

$150 - $350

Updated: May 10, 2026

Who buys this

Natural history collectors and interior designers looking for prehistoric statement pieces.

What increases value

•Blade length (measured on the slant; prices escalate significantly over 5 inches)
•Completeness of the serrations and sharpness of the tip
•Integrity and color of the bourlette