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RARE CHOICE GRADE LARGE NANOTYRANNUS TOOTH - Hell Creek Formation - Montana, U.S.A. LATE CRETACEOUS PERIOD: 68 - 65 million years ago Most tyrannosaur teeth of any species are usually quite ugly despite their steep prices reflecting their rarity and market demand. No type of dinosaur commands more respect and fascination than the members of the tyrannosaur family. Without question, fine quality teeth of these dinosaurs will steadily appreciate year after year as limited legal collecting regions in the United States continue to be scavenged and produce less and less fine specimens as time goes on. This is a very large (TWO AND A QUARTER INCHES!) tooth from Nanotyrannus lancensis, a member of the tyrannosaurid family. It is a rare and high grade specimen exceeding most Nanotyrannus teeth. Beautiful espresso brown dominates the overall color with original fine enamel still displaying a natural dense gloss. Tooth has been repaired in only a couple places and cracks filled but there is NO FABRICATION (RESTORATION) to the entire tooth. Serrations are present with remarkable detail. Besides the fine original glossy enamel and color, this is a VERY LARGE example and makes for an especially rare offering. Most Nanotyrannus teeth are under two thirds this size! Grain shows excellent detail and growth lines on the surface of the lustrous enamel are plainly visible. This is definitely a prize specimen and recommended for any collection showcasing nothing but the rarest and finest fossils. TOOTH IS EVEN NICER IN PERSON THAN APPEARS ABOVE! The name 'Nanotyrannus' means "tiny tyrant" but at approximately 17 feet in length, Nanotyrannus was not exactly tiny, just small in comparison to its fellow tyrannosaurids. Its best known relative is the larger Tyrannosaurus rex. Like all tyrannosaurs, Nanotyrannus was a bi-pedal carnivore. It had narrow hips, a slim tail, long legs with three-toed feet and short arms with two-fingered hands. Its short, thick neck carried a large head with large jaws of sharp curved and serrated teeth. It is theorized that it weighed less than 1000 pounds.
Considerable controversy has surrounded this dinosaur in recent times. The only fossil remains are a single 22 inch skull discovered in 1942 and collected teeth. In 1988, paleontologists M. Williams, R. Bakker, and P. J. Currie examined the skull and theorized it is from a new species of tyrannosaur. Other paleontologists claim it is a juvenile T. rex. Studies are ongoing but based on indisputable evidence on the differences in structure of Tyrannosaur rex teeth and that of Nanotyrannus teeth as well as the more graceful leg bones of Nanotyrannus, it is most likely that Nanotyrannus is not only a valid species but the fastest tyrannosaur that ever lived. TRUE PRIZE FOSSIL TOOTH OF THIS TYRANNOSAUR! SUPERB QUALITY LARGE TOOTH - FINE SPECIMEN AND IN A VERY RARE LARGE SIZE! 2.25" long on the leading edge x .75" wide SOLD DT14-006 INCLUDES DISPLAY BOX Actual Item - One Only |
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Artwork by Todd Marshall used with permission and copyright protected |
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