Skip to the beginning of the images gallery

Edestus heinrichi

SKU

I02

Out of stock

$950.00

Overview

An ultra rare, Top Quality Edestus heinrichi associted pair of whorls, from Herrin, Illinois. A July Fossil of the Month. This is a Paleozoic shark that lived in swamps that our now underground coal deposits. An ultra rare assoiiated pair of tooth whorls. Note - the crown tips are naturally rounded (polished) which thought to be due to wear from the vertical whipping motion used to slice prey. Excellent 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 or a vertical whipping motion to cut prey. It is the first animal to cut vertically. A very strange looking and unique acting shark. Shark recreation image is credited to Julio Lacerdo. These rare teeth are Pennsylvanian age from Illinois. No repair or restoration. Authenticity guaranteed. This is the first associated whorl pait that I have seen.

I02 SIZE: 5" & 4-3/4" w/ root (1-1/4"+ crowns)

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

Ship to

Calculate Shipping Cost

Country

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Add to Wish List Add to Compare

Reviews

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.