This 100% authentic and unrepaired fossil auriculatus shark tooth was sourced from a cement quarry in the state of South Carolina, USA. Here the fossils are exposed by digging operations to retrieve the Eocene aged limestone formation which is turned into cement. 

Carcharocles auriculatus was the largest predatory shark to live during its time. This massive animal lived during the Eocene epoch (approximately 35-56 million years ago) and is a direct ancestor of the world's largest shark - Carcharocles megalodon. The auriculatus reached lengths of at least 30-35 feet (10+ meters) which is more than double the length of the largest Great White Shark (but the overall mass of the auriculatus would have been MUCH more!).

True auriculatus teeth are only found in the early-middle Eocene. By the late Eocene the species had evolved much larger sizes and are often referred to as Carcharocles sokolowi or poseidoni. However for the sake of simplicity we'll often refer to all Carcharocles teeth of Eocene age as C. auriculatus. 

For the most part all that remains of this enormous shark are the fossilized auriculatus teeth. Fossil auriculatus shark teeth are found worldwide but the age makes them an uncommon species to find of the Carcharocles teeth.  Teeth are mainly found in land sites or by scuba diving in select location in the Southeastern United States.  

Factors in the value of fossilized auriculatus shark teeth are numerous but the most important factors in the value of auriculatus teeth is the overall quality and size. Larger teeth over 3" are much less commonly found than the smaller teeth in the 1"-2" size range and are obviously worth more money. Auriculatus teeth can be found in sizes over 4" in length however anything over about 3.5" is a rarity for these and the values increase substantially for this size. Auriculatus shark teeth found in perfect condition have razor-sharply serrated edges, complete root, enamel, and bourlette. To find a tooth of this quality after 40 million years is substantially rarer than finding one that has been exposed to water currents and suffered wear or damage. So when a tooth is found that is in near pristine condition the value is incrementally more than the normal worn or damaged tooth. Colors or different color patterns can also play an important factor in the value. 

Fossilized auriculatus shark teeth are a very unique gift item that are ALWAYS appreciated by the recipient as there's really nothing comparable to holding such a large piece of natural history in your hands. Whether you're buying for yourself or someone else you literally can't go wrong with one of our 100% authentic and natural fossil auriculatus shark teeth. Thank you so much for your interest and business!

Steve Alter and the megalodonteeth.com team.