Fossil collecting is an art with its own intricacies and nuances, one of which is pricing. Today, we’ll delve into how Megalodon teeth are classified for commercial use.

Megalodon teeth are classified into four categories based on their state of preservation: non-collectible, commercial, collectible, and museum-grade.

• Non-collectible Quality: These teeth are only partially preserved, exhibiting significant damage and fractures.
• Commercial Quality: These teeth are in good condition but far from perfect. Minor chips, cracks, or the absence of serrations diminish the value of what might otherwise be a good specimen.
• Collectible Quality: These teeth boast very good preservation. The surface and cutting-edge serrations are intact. Any damage is minimal and almost imperceptible without magnification.
• Museum Quality: This is the most coveted find for any collector. Such specimens are so impeccably preserved that they seem as if they were dislodged from the jaws of the ancient beast just yesterday. These teeth have retained their enamel and serrated edges for millions of years due to exceptional preservation conditions.

Commercial-grade teeth might be valued at around 1000 – 2000 USD. A collectible-grade tooth could cost 2000-5000 USD, while museum-quality specimens can cost more than 4000 – 5000 USD. Preservation is the foremost factor influencing the value, though not the only one.

When discussing Megalodon teeth, their size is a critical factor. These teeth are so large compared to those of other sharks that ancient peoples often couldn’t believe in their origins, referring to them as “dragon tongues.”

A Megalodon tooth, like that of a great white shark, is measured diagonally. If you were to fit the tooth into a triangle, its length would be the distance from the lower corner to the tip.

An average-sized tooth reache

Color is another factor that significantly influences a tooth’s value.

Typically, Megalodon teeth are found in various shades of gray, beige, or rust. The tooth’s blade and root often differ in color, sometimes contrasting sharply. This is because the enamel covering the tooth, which is more resistant to preservation in sediment, is replaced by different minerals than the root, which loses its enamel over time.

Rare colors—such as white, entirely black, or the brick-red hue of dried blood, like the specimen in the photograph—command higher prices.

The discovery location of a Megalodon tooth is another, less obvious, factor that affects its price. You might wonder if it matters whether a specimen was found in California or Argentina.

However, the laws in some countries prohibit the export of fossils, including many South American nations where a significant number of high-quality Megalodon teeth are discovered. Officially, only teeth that were exported before these restrictions were implemented can be purchased, making them rarer and driving up their prices.

As you can see, the commercial aspects of fossil collecting can be as complex as those of dealing in antiques.

Just like with works of art, there is no upper limit. A combination of perfect museum-grade preservation, large size, and rare coloration can easily push the price into seven figures.

We hope that understanding these factors will help you navigate the exciting world of fossil collecting.