Ichthyosaur Coprolite Value Guide

Dating back 145 to 199 million years, these Ichthyosaur coprolites are essential trace fossils from the Mesozoic Era. Originating from the United Kingdom's Jurassic Coast, they offer a unique glimpse into the prehistoric diet of the ocean's former apex predators.

What affects the value of Ichthyosaur Coprolite?

• Presence of visible inclusions such as fish scales or bone fragments from the reptile's last meal.
• The overall size and structural integrity of the specimen.
• Clarity of the surface texture and lack of significant modern erosion.
• Documented origin from famous paleontological sites like the Jurassic Coast.

How to Identify Ichthyosaur Coprolite?

• Look for a distinctive dark, pebbled texture characteristic of fossilized organic matter.
• Verify the composition is primarily calcium phosphate, which replaces the original waste during fossilization.
• Check for a cylindrical or spiral shape typical of marine reptile digestive tracts.
• Confirm the specimen's provenance to the fossil beds of the United Kingdom.

History of Ichthyosaur Coprolite

These trace fossils date back to the Mesozoic Era when large marine reptiles known as Ichthyosaurs dominated the oceans. They provide invaluable data to paleontologists regarding the prehistoric diet and digestive systems of extinct species. This particular specimen likely originated from the famous fossil beds of the Jurassic Coast.