An EXTRA LARGE, ultra rare, Top Quality Edestus heinrichi, a near complete whorl with six crowns from Herrin, Illinois. A June Fossil of the Month. This is a Paleozoic shark that lived in swamp that our now underground coal deposits. Exceptional preservation, serrations, and serration detail. The Edestus shark would have an upper and lower tooth whorl that are vertically opposed. Research showed that they could use their opposing teeth in a scissor-like motion to cut prey. It is the first animal to cut vertically. A very strange looking and unique acting shark. This whorl is incredibly massive at 9-1/4" long and 2-3/4" height. The whorl body is incredibly perserved and is thick (1-1/16") and quite heavy. This whorl weighs 1+ pounds. The crowns are extra large at 1-3/4" wide and look fantastic. This was a large Edestus shark. Note - Four crown tips were professionally repaired which is typical for a whorl. Pennsylvanian age from Illinois. Authenticity guaranteed. The Edestus shark recreation image is credited to Julio Lacerdo. The Edestus whorls are extremely rare. This is a fantastic display piece.
I01 Whorl size: 9-1/4" length x 2-3/4" height (1-1/16" thick) Tooth size: 1-3/4" wide
Adding 1 Edestus whorl in June 2023. Link to Edestus shark.