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INTACT GRADE 10 NANOTYRANNUS TYRANNOSAUR TOOTH Lance Formation - Lance Creek, Wyoming, 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. Found in the famous Lance Formation from which this tyrannosaur was first discovered, this is a fossil tooth from Nanotyrannus lancensis, a member of the tyrannosaurid family. It is a rare GRADE 10 specimen, far exceeding most Nanotyrannus teeth typically offered for sale. Beautiful walnut and espresso brown dominates the overall color with original enamel still displaying a gloss. Serrations are fully present with fine detail. Tooth is complete with sharp tip and is INTACT WITH NO REPAIR AND NO RESTORATION OR FABRICATION. More than 20 Nanotyrannus teeth like this specimen, one as small as 0.4 inches in length, were found scattered amongst the bones of the famous Triceratops skeleton KELSEY indicating possible multiple Nanotyrannus dinosaurs were responsible for the kill. It is theorized by some that these ferocious tyrannosaurs might have hunted in packs like dromaeosaurs. Nanotyrannus lancensis was first discovered in the Lance Formation of Wyoming, U.S.A., hence the 'lancensis' name. 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. Fossil remains include 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. COMPLETE SUPREME GRADE EXAMPLE WITH NO REPAIR - RARE! 1" long on the dorsal curve SOLD DT18-020 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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