Guilford Projectile Point Value Guide

The Guilford Projectile Point is a diagnostic artifact of the Middle Archaic period, specifically representing the indigenous cultures of the Southeastern United States between 4000 and 3000 BC. Named for Guilford County, North Carolina, these points are highly collectible due to their distinct lanceolate form and their historical significance as primary hunting tools in the Piedmont region.

What affects the value of Guilford Projectile Point?

• Material quality, with translucent quartz or rare color variations commanding higher prices within the $25-$35 range.
• Overall symmetry and the presence of a sharp, undamaged tip and base.
• Provenance and documentation linking the point to a specific find site in the Piedmont region.
• Size and thickness, as larger, well-proportioned examples are more desirable to collectors.

How to Identify Guilford Projectile Point?

• Look for a thick, lanceolate (leaf-shaped) body with a lenticular or diamond-shaped cross-section.
• Verify the material is typically locally sourced quartz or quartzite, common for these points in the Southeastern US.
• Check for a concave, straight, or rounded base that lacks the distinct notches found in later projectile styles.
• Examine the flaking pattern, which often appears somewhat crude due to the difficulty of working with tough quartz materials.

History of Guilford Projectile Point

The Guilford point is a diagnostic artifact of the Middle Archaic period. Named after Guilford County, North Carolina, these points were crafted by early indigenous hunters for use as spear tips or knives. They are characterized by their thick, lanceolate shape and are frequently found in the Piedmont region made from locally available quartz.