Individually assessed. Thoughtfully priced.
Every tooth deserves
an individual appraisal.
We grade and price each fossil shark tooth individually. Species, size, locality, rarity, color and preservation all contribute to its appeal and value. By considering the whole specimen and explaining its condition clearly, we help you choose with confidence—and work to make sure you are satisfied with the tooth you add to your collection.
How do we grade each fossil shark tooth?
We use our Fossil Shark Tooth Grading & Valuation System (FGTVS v1.0) to describe four components individually: enamel (E), bourlette (B), root (R) and serrations (S), where applicable. The written assessment and specimen photographs explain the condition behind the rating.
Component condition grades| Component | Scores and condition | What we examine |
|---|
| Enamel (E) | E1 Poor · E2 Good · E3 Very good · E4 Excellent | Wear, chips, cracks and restoration; completeness and preservation of the enamel. |
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| Bourlette (B) | B1 Poor · B2 Good · B3 Very good · B4 Excellent | Erosion, reconstruction, preserved texture and color contrast. |
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| Root (R) | R1 Poor · R2 Good · R3 Excellent | Completeness, damage, weathering, lobes and nutrient groove. |
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| Serrations (S) | S1 Poor · S2 Good · S3 Very good · S4 Excellent | Wear, damage and the completeness and sharpness of the serrated edge. |
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For enamel, bourlette and serrations, Excellent means no visible defects in that component; Very good allows minor wear or tiny imperfections; Good reflects moderate wear or damage; Poor reflects heavy wear, damage or restoration. Root condition follows its separate three-level scale.
Example: E4–B4–R3–S4 describes excellent enamel, bourlette, root and serrations. These component scores total 15. The reference chart’s 15–16 band is treated as the top condition band; the listed components do not provide a sixteenth point.
The complete framework is intended for Megalodon, Angustidens and Chubutensis. Other species are assessed with appropriate adjustments. We do not mark naturally unserrated species down for lacking serrations, or treat a feature absent in a species as damage.
How do grades guide the price?
Our starting guide connects overall condition with an indicative value per inch. These are appraisal reference points, not automatic prices or guaranteed resale values. Every listing has its own asking price, based on the whole specimen.
FGTVS condition and starting valuation guide| Condition score | Grade | Indicative base per inch |
|---|
| 15 (top band) | Museum Grade (MG) | Locality-based appraisal |
| 13–14 | Collector Grade A (CGA) | $750 |
| 10–12 | Collector Grade B (CGB) | $500 |
| 7–9 | Commercial Grade (CG) | $100 |
| 4–6 | Study Grade (SG) | Below the commercial reference |
Locality rarity can lower the condition score needed for Museum Grade consideration: L1 Common requires at least 15; L2 Uncommon, 14; L3 Rare, 13; and L4 Exceptional, 12. A qualifying locality assessment is considered alongside the component scores, rather than changing those scores.
The chart’s Museum Grade locality reference is L1: $1,000 per inch; L2: up to $1,500; L3: up to $2,000; and L4: $3,000+ per inch. Locality class is assessed individually from documented provenance, scarcity and collecting significance. A country name alone does not establish a rarity grade.
How do color, pattern and rare size affect value?
Color: CP0 is common coloration with no premium; CP1 is unusual coloration with a minor premium; CP2 is rare coloration that may qualify for L2 pricing; CP3 is exceptional coloration with a significant premium. White, red and green are examples to evaluate, not automatic premium grades.
Pattern: PP0 is a standard pattern with no premium; PP1 is noticeable patterning with a minor premium; PP2 is rare patterning; PP3 is exceptional patterning. Color banding, multicolor mineralization and contrasting bourlettes are considered individually. PP2–PP3 may qualify for L2 pricing without changing the specimen’s actual recovery locality.
Size: SR0 is standard size; SR1 is rare size; SR2 is exceptional size. The chart flags 2-inch-plus Hemipristis serra, 3-inch-plus white shark species and Parotodus benedenii, 4-inch-plus Angustidens, and 6-inch-plus Megalodon for rare-size consideration. These appraisal thresholds are separate from the minimum-size choices in your collector profile.
The chart gives roughly $1,500 per inch as a rare-size reference and $3,000–$5,000+ per inch for exceptional examples in L3 or L4 classes. Combinations of rarity, color and size require an individual appraisal; premiums are not automatically added or multiplied. Market demand, provenance, preparation and overall desirability also influence the final asking price.
Our grades describe our assessment, not independent third-party certification. Appraisals are estimates rather than investment guarantees. Questions about a rating or price are always welcome.
How are repairs and condition explained?
Individual photographs and listing descriptions help you evaluate what you are buying. Any known repairs, restoration or polishing should be disclosed, along with condition details that affect the specimen. If a detail is unclear, contact Skye for clarification or additional views before purchasing.
How do we help you choose the right specimen?
Your satisfaction starts with understanding what matters to you. Skye can help you compare specimens, discuss their individual qualities and find a tooth that fits your collecting goals and budget. We welcome questions so you can make an informed choice.
Speak with Skye: 843-908-0227 ↗Can we help with a special request or payment plan?
Tell Skye about your bucket-list fossil or save your collecting preferences in your account. In-house payment plan options can also be discussed directly with her, including the specimen, schedule and terms.
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