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Edestus heinrichi

SKU
I01
In stock
$5,250.00
Overview

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.

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The Edestus heinrichi or Edestus minor, the Coal shark or "scissor shark" tooth, are two rare Pennsylvanian age sharks found in an underground coal mines in Illinois. Edestus heinrichi tooth exhibits a unique broad symmetrical triangular crown with huge serrations. Whereas, the Edestus minor tooth exhibits a more narrow asymmetrical triangular crown with large serrations. The roots are also quite unique as they appear as long arms with the crown at the end. The roots would stack and interlock to form a "tooth whorl" which are placed vertically at the center line of the upper and lower jaws. A whorl could include 5-10 or more crowns. A very strange arrangement of teeth which would be used to slice prey. These teeth are well preserved. These teeth are from the Anna Shale Fm. (Carbondale Group) - approx. 300 million years in age. It is always difficult locating these rare teeth.