Chesapecten Jeffersonius Fossil Value Guide

The Chesapecten Jeffersonius is a landmark in American paleontology, famously known as the first fossil formally described in North America. These Miocene-epoch scallop shells are highly collectible due to their association with Thomas Jefferson and their significance in documenting the ancient marine biodiversity of the Atlantic seaboard.

What Is Chesapecten Jeffersonius Fossil Worth?

The typical price range for Chesapecten Jeffersonius Fossil is $25 - $25 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The physical size and completeness of the shell, particularly the preservation of the delicate edges.
• The clarity and definition of the radial ribs and surface texture.
• Historical provenance or specific collection site documentation from the Atlantic seaboard.
• Overall structural integrity and lack of significant erosion or modern damage.

How to Identify Chesapecten Jeffersonius Fossil?

• Look for the characteristic large, fan-shaped scallop shell with 9 to 12 prominent ribs.
• Verify the origin from Miocene-era deposits, specifically the Calvert Cliffs of Maryland or Virginia coastal regions.
• Check for the distinct fossilized shell material which dates back 14.5 to 5.3 million years.
• Ensure the specimen exhibits the symmetrical auricles (ears) typical of the Chesapecten genus.

History of Chesapecten Jeffersonius Fossil

Chesapecten jeffersonius holds a special place in paleontological history as the first fossil ever formally described in North America. Thomas Jefferson, a keen fossil enthusiast, discovered specimens of this ancient scallop in Virginia in the late 18th century, long before becoming president. This discovery sparked early scientific interest in American paleontology and helped lay the groundwork for understanding prehistoric life on the continent. These fossils are particularly common in the Calvert Cliffs of Maryland and other Miocene-era deposits along the Atlantic seaboard, providing a vivid glimpse into the rich marine biodiversity that once thrived in ancient North American waters.