COSMOPOLITODUS HASTALIS ( EXTINCT GREAT WHITE SHARK ) TOOTH

Pungo River Formation, Lee Creek - Aurora, North Carolina

LOWER MIOCENE PERIOD:  23 million years ago

Termed by some as the genus 'Isurus", the Cosmopolitodus hastalis is another name to differentiate the recognition that this shark was the eventual precursor to the modern Great White shark.   The two share several similarities in their dentition but this topic is still debated and not fully resolved.  We subscribe to the belief and feel the evidence supports the reclassification of this genus as shown.

The fossil teeth offered here are all hand-select specimens and of the absolute finest grade from this famous region.  Lee Creek already produces what many consider to be the finest color, preservation and condition of all species that are found there.  These teeth are absolute beauties and the images above fail to capture the liquid-looking enamel, mesmerizing color and pristine edges of these teeth.  If you want the finest example of this species, these are a must for your collection.

On the south shore of the Pamlico river in North Carolina near the Outer Banks lies an open pit phosphate mine still in operation.  This mine produces some of the finest fossil shark teeth in the world and the region is known as "Lee Creek" by most.  There are four recognized formations each with its respective representation of an epoch in time.  They are in order of oldest first, PUNGO RIVER (Lower Miocene), YORKTOWN (Early Pliocene), CHOWAN RIVER (Late Pliocene), and JAMES CITY (Pleistocene).  It is currently believed that the Pungo River layer once existed as a sub-tropical marine environment.  The lowest strata of this formation is theorized to have been under 100 - 200 meters of water when covered by a prehistoric ocean with the uppermost layer having existed at a depth of 70 meters under water.  The Yorktown layer is believed to have been under 80 - 100 meters at its lowest strata with a gradual decrease in the ocean depth to a point where the water was as shallow as 15 meters at the last time period of that formation's existence.

Approximately 50 species of sharks alone are found in the Lee Creek mine.  Other fossils exist representing skates, rays, bony fishes, mammals (mainly marine), reptiles (turtles) and a host of marine invertebrates.  Lee Creek is a world-class site for some of the finest shark fossils.  These specimens are coveted by collectors the world over.  All it takes is to hold one of these gem teeth in your hand and behold the beauty up close and personal.  In doing so, you too, will be hooked forever on the beauty of Lee Creek teeth.

 SIMPLY THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND DEFINITELY A MUST FOR THE PERFECTIONIST!

2" - 1.5" in length on the diagonal edge

$65 - $95     SH10     INCLUDES DISPLAY BOX