Otodus Obliquus Shark Tooth Value Guide

Otodus Shark Tooth Fossil in Display Case - Etsy
Otodus Obliquus Shark Tooth
Estimated Value
$18 – $20
Period
66,000,000-45,000,000 BCE
Origin
Morocco
Materials
Fossilized Dentin, Enamel, Root Bone
Category
Shark tooth

The Otodus obliquus shark tooth is a prized specimen from a prehistoric apex predator that reached lengths of up to 30 feet. These fossils, primarily sourced from Moroccan phosphate mines, represent a critical evolutionary link as a direct ancestor to the legendary Megalodon.

What Is Otodus Obliquus Shark Tooth Worth?

The typical price range for Otodus Obliquus Shark Tooth is $18 - $20 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • The presence and preservation of the delicate lateral cusplets significantly impact the market price.
  • Overall size and enamel quality, including the lack of significant chips or feeding wear on the blade.
  • The integrity of the root bone, as many specimens are found with fractured or incomplete root structures.
  • The quality of the wire wrapping or mounting if intended for use in jewelry or as a display piece.

How to Identify Otodus Obliquus Shark Tooth?

  • Look for a distinct triangular shape with smooth, non-serrated cutting edges characteristic of the Otodus genus.
  • Examine the root for two prominent lateral cusplets, which are small 'mini-teeth' flanking the main blade.
  • Verify the presence of dense, fossilized enamel and a thick, robust root structure typical of specimens from the Ouled Abdoun Basin.
  • Check for natural mineralization colors ranging from creamy tan to dark brown, indicating authentic fossilization over millions of years.

History of Otodus Obliquus Shark Tooth

Otodus obliquus was a prehistoric mackerel shark that lived during the Paleocene and Eocene epochs. It was a massive apex predator reaching lengths of up to 30 feet and is widely considered an ancestor to the Megalodon. Most commercial specimens today are found in the phosphate mines of the Ouled Abdoun Basin in Morocco.

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