Dalton Point Value Guide

The Dalton Point is a significant prehistoric artifact marking the transition from the Late Paleoindian to the Early Archaic period between 8500 and 7900 BC. Highly prized by collectors, these versatile chert tools served as both projectile points and knives during the shift from the Pleistocene to the Holocene era.

What Is Dalton Point Worth?

The typical price range for Dalton Point is $275 - $300 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of sharp, intact serrations significantly increases the market value.
• Provenance and find location within the Central Mississippi Valley can enhance collectibility.
• Overall length and symmetry of the lanceolate form are primary drivers of the $275-$300 price range.
• The quality and color of the specific chert material used for the point.

How to Identify Dalton Point?

• Look for a distinct lanceolate shape featuring a deeply concave base.
• Examine the edges for fine serrations, which often indicate the tool was resharpened for use as a knife.
• Verify the material is chert, the primary stone used for these points in the United States.
• Check for thinning flakes removed from the base, a characteristic trait of the Dalton manufacturing process.

History of Dalton Point

Dalton points are associated with the Late Paleoindian to Early Archaic transition. Named after Judge Sidney P. Dalton, these tools were highly versatile, serving as both projectile points and knives. They are often found in the Central Mississippi Valley and signify a shift in hunter-gatherer technology as the Pleistocene era transitioned into the Holocene.