Shark teeth can vary greatly in value depending on several factors. Some of the main things that impact the price of a shark tooth are the species it came from, the tooth’s size, quality and condition, and where it was found.
What factors determine the value of a shark tooth?
Here are some of the key factors that affect a shark tooth’s worth:
- Species – Teeth from rare or extinct species are more valuable. Megalodon and great white shark teeth fetch higher prices.
- Size – Larger teeth are generally worth more. A 5-6 inch megalodon tooth could sell for over $100.
- Quality – Teeth that are intact with little damage and a sharp serrated edge are preferred. Discolored or eroded teeth have lower value.
- Condition – Major chips, cracks, or repairs dramatically decrease value. A pristine tooth is ideal.
- Location Found – Teeth found in fossil-rich coastal regions like the Carolinas bring higher prices.
- Supply & Demand – Rare finds like megalodon teeth have high demand from collectors, driving up prices.
What is the average price range for different shark teeth?
Here are some general price ranges for common shark teeth that collectors seek out:
| Shark Species | Tooth Size | Average Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Megalodon | 2 – 3 inches | $30 – $70 |
| Megalodon | 5 – 6 inches | $100 – $300+ |
| Great White | 2 – 3 inches | $20 – $60 |
| Tiger Shark | 2 – 3 inches | $5 – $20 |
| Bull Shark | 2 – 3 inches | $3 – $10 |
As you can see, megalodon and great white shark teeth command the highest prices due to their large size and prehistoric nature. Tiger and bull shark teeth are more common and affordable for the casual collector.
What is the record sale price for a shark tooth?
The most expensive shark tooth ever sold was a 6.5 inch Angustiden (extinct megatoothed shark) fossil tooth that was sold at auction in 2009 for $22,370. This extremely rare tooth came from a 50 million year old Angustiden species.
For a megalodon tooth, the record sale price is $18,500 for a 7 inch tooth sold in 2016.
Great white shark teeth have fetched record prices around $10,000 for a 3 inch tooth in mint condition.
Do the age or origins of the tooth impact value?
Yes, a shark tooth’s age and origins play a significant role in its value to collectors.
In general, the older the tooth the more valuable it is. Teeth from prehistoric times like the Cretaceous, Eocene, Miocene and Pliocene periods can sell for higher prices. Megalodon teeth are the most desired prehistoric teeth, with this massive shark living about 15-5 million years ago.
Fossil teeth that are millions of years old are worth far more than modern teeth. Even modern great white shark teeth are not highly priced unless they are over 2.5 inches long.
Where the tooth was found also matters. Teeth found along fossil-rich coastal regions bring higher prices. In the United States, megalodon teeth found off the Atlantic Coast like the Carolinas, Florida and Virginia have the most value. Some other countries like Peru, Chile and Australia also yield valuable fossil shark teeth.
What are some other types of valuable shark teeth?
While megalodon and great white teeth are the most iconic and sought after, teeth from several other shark species can also have significant worth including:
- Tiger Shark – Fossil tiger shark teeth from millions of years ago can sell for over $100.
- Mako Shark – Fossil mako teeth are very rare. Larger teeth can fetch over $500.
- Hammerhead Shark – Their uniquely shaped teeth are popular with collectors. Over $50 for prime specimens.
- Bull Shark – Fossil bull shark teeth from prehistoric times can sell for around $20-$60.
- Hemipristis Shark – Extinct snaggletooth shark with serrated triangle teeth worth up to $100.
While not as pricey as megalodon teeth, fossil specimens from these other shark species have become popular for collectors in recent years.
What are some factors that decrease a shark tooth’s value?
There are a few factors that could render a shark tooth far less valuable:
- Major cracks, chips, or repairs – A tooth with cracks or that has been glued back together has negligible value.
- Poor condition – Heavily discolored, worn down, or rotting teeth have little worth.
- Small size – Teeth under 2 inches long often don’t have much monetary value.
- Common species – Modern teeth from sharks like bull sharks, tiger sharks or blacktips aren’t very valuable.
- Lack of documentation – Without info on exactly where/when it was found, origins can’t be confirmed.
A pristine tooth from a rare prehistoric species with documentation of its authentic origins will always be the most prized and expensive for serious collectors.
How can you verify if a shark tooth is real?
Here are some tips for verifying if a shark tooth is a genuine antique or fossil specimen versus a fake:
- Inspect carefully under magnification for any evidence of modern carving, cuts, or polishing.
- Look at fit and finish of serrations – fakes often have uneven or poorly cut edges.
- Verify coloring – real fossil teeth have natural discoloration not artificial staining.
- Evaluate weight and density – fakes tend to be lighter and less dense.
- Examine structure – genuine teeth have a natural layered buildup of dentine and enamel.
- Research source – buy from reputable dealers with documentation and proof of authenticity.
An expert eye is needed to spot convincing forgeries. When buying individual teeth, it’s smart to get a certificate of authenticity from the seller.
Where can you buy authenticated shark teeth?
Here are some of the best places to buy verified real shark teeth:
- Fossil and mineral shows – Dealers here specialize in authentic specimens like shark teeth.
- Online fossil stores – Reputable sites like Fossil Era or The Fossil Shack offer authenticity guarantees.
- eBay – Look for sellers with 99%+ positive feedback and documented provenance.
- Museum gift shops – Products sold are verified as genuine artifacts or fossils.
- Rock shops – Specialty stores often sell authenticated teeth from reputable suppliers.
Always look for teeth that come with detailed information on exactly where and when they were collected, as well as an authentication certificate from a credible expert or institution.
Is it legal to buy and sell shark teeth?
In the United States and most other countries it is completely legal and there are no regulations prohibiting the sale of fossil shark teeth including megalodon. Teeth that come from private land are not subject to ownership restrictions.
However, it is illegal to take or sell teeth that come from government owned land without permits, as these are considered protected archaeological resources. It is also prohibited to bring back megalodon or other shark teeth from countries that ban their export like Chile, Greece, Croatia, and Malta among others.
Make sure to buy from dealers that have legal documentation showing a fossil specimen’s origins. For modern shark teeth, trade is regulated in many areas and it is often illegal to buy teeth that were obtained through finning or other unsustainable fishing practices.
Are there any famous shark tooth collections?
Some of the most famous public collections of rare shark teeth and megalodon fossils include:
- Calvert Marine Museum – Over 600 megalodon teeth on display from excavations in Maryland.
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences – Extensive collection of Cretaceous and Miocene fossils including rare shark teeth.
- South Florida Museum – Hundreds of megalodon and prehistoric shark teeth from Florida excavations.
- Georgia Southern Museum – Fossil shark tooth collection from megalodon and other species.
- New York State Museum – Notable archaeocete whale fossil collection with associated ancient shark teeth.
- University of Florida Museum – Over 100 megalodon teeth specimens as well as whale fossils collected in Florida.
These museums give the public a chance to see rare prehistoric shark teeth that are the largest of their kind ever discovered.
How were shark teeth used historically?
Throughout history shark teeth have been utilized for a variety of purposes including:
- Weapons – Large sharp teeth were attached to war clubs, knives and swords.
- Jewelry – From ancient times, perforated teeth were worn as pendants and necklaces.
- Ceremonial items – Polished teeth were incorporated into ritual headdresses, bracelets and masks.
- Currency – Some early Pacific cultures used teeth as a form of money.
- Spiritual charms – Associated with courage, strength and power; worn as protective talismans.
- Medical treatments – Ground up teeth were used in folk remedies to cure ailments.
- Status symbols – Gifts of shark teeth denoted rank and social standing in tribes.
Shark teeth were widely traded and prized by indigenous cultures around the world for their sharpness and unique appearance.
Conclusion
A shark tooth’s worth is determined by many variables, but in general the largest and rarest fossils from ancient sharks like megalodon bring in the highest prices from collectors. Perfectly intact teeth over 5 inches long from these massive prehistoric species can easily fetch over $100 and sometimes upwards of $10,000 at auction if verified as genuine. While modern shark teeth can often be bought quite cheaply, those special fossil specimens continue to inspire awe and demand premium prices due to their rarity and scientific value.
