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Edestus heinrichi

SKU

I01

In stock

$1,495.00

Overview

An ultra rare, Top Quality Edestus heinrichi, a complete whorl with three crowns from Herrin, Illinois. A July 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 with linear tooth whorls. A very strange looking and unique acting shark. This whorl is incredibly massive at 6" long with three crowns. The whorl body is well perserved with an excellent bright line of pyrite below the crown enamel. The crowns are large at 1-5/8" wide and look fantastic. Note - One crown tip has a small professional repair (~1/8") which is very common for a whorl. Pennsylvanian age from Illinois. Authenticity guaranteed. The Edestus shark recreation image is credited to Julio Lacerdo. These Edestus whorls are extremely rare. This whorl comes with a custon steel stand and makes a fantastic display piece. My lowest price ever for a complete whorl!

I01 SIZE: 6" whorl (1-5/8"+ crowns) ; Height is 4-1/8" on stand.

Adding 22 Edestus shark teeth in July 2025. Link to Edestus shark.

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Details

The Edestus heinrichi is the Coal shark or "scissor shark" tooth, is a 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. The roots are also quite unique as they appear as long arms with the crown at the end. The root 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.