Hildoceras Bifrons Ammonite Value Guide

The Hildoceras Bifrons is a quintessential Early Jurassic ammonite from the Toarcian stage, prized for its distinct ribbing and historical significance in British folklore. These fossils, often found in the United Kingdom, were once famously known as 'snakestones' due to their resemblance to coiled serpents.

What Is Hildoceras Bifrons Ammonite Worth?

The typical price range for Hildoceras Bifrons Ammonite is $35 - $40 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Specimen size and the clarity of the spiral ribbing significantly impact the $35-$40 price range.
• The quality of the preparation, specifically how cleanly the fossil has been extracted from its limestone matrix.
• Historical 'snakestone' carvings, where a snake head has been added to the fossil, can alter collector interest.
• Overall preservation of the suture lines and the presence of natural calcite mineralization.

How to Identify Hildoceras Bifrons Ammonite?

• Look for the characteristic 'bifrons' feature: a deep longitudinal groove running along the middle of the whorl side.
• Examine the ribbing pattern, which typically shows a sharp bend or 'elbow' shape as it crosses the shell.
• Verify the mineral composition, as authentic UK specimens are commonly preserved in grey limestone or calcite.
• Check for a square-shaped whorl section and a prominent keel along the outer edge of the spiral.

History of Hildoceras Bifrons Ammonite

Ammonites are extinct cephalopods that lived during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. This specific genus, Hildoceras, is a characteristic fossil of the Toarcian stage of the Early Jurassic. Historically, these fossils were called snakestones in England because they were believed to be petrified snakes, and were often carved with heads to complete the illusion.