Megalodon-mania: Teeth from massive ancient shark up for auction in Saint John

Jones Auction House in Saint John, New Brunswick, has recently opened online bidding for a collection of megalodon shark teeth that are millions of years old. These teeth, belonging to the extinct species that lived approximately 3.6 million to 23 million years ago, have garnered significant interest since the auction began earlier this week.

Curator Sarah Jones shared that the collection includes six fossilized teeth of varying sizes and shapes, with a starting bid of $300. As of Wednesday evening, the highest bid had already reached $1,000, indicating a surge in demand for these ancient artifacts.

The megalodon teeth range from 7.6 centimetres to about 15 centimetres (three to six inches) in length and exhibit a range of textures, from polished finishes to a more natural state. Jones emphasized the massive size of these teeth, reflecting the immense size of the sharks themselves during the megalodon era.

These teeth, sourced from North Carolina by a local collector with decades of experience in acquiring natural history specimens, are prized for their rarity and historical significance. Megalodon teeth are particularly sought after as they are among the most common fossilized remains of the species, given that the rest of their body, being cartilage-based, does not fossilize well.

The auction house, known for handling artwork and luxury items, such as watches and designer handbags, has ventured into the realm of paleontology for the first time with this unique collection. The auction is set to close on March 30, offering enthusiasts and collectors an opportunity to own a piece of prehistoric marine history.

The megalodon species, known for its colossal size, reached lengths of up to 24 metres and weighed as much as 94 tonnes, dwarfing modern great white sharks, which can grow up to six metres in length and weigh up to 1.8 tonnes. Megalodon teeth, prized for their size and preservation, hold significant value in the realm of fossil collecting, with larger and better-preserved specimens commanding higher prices in the market.

With the auction of these megalodon teeth underway, bidders have the chance to acquire a piece of ancient marine life that once roamed the Earth’s oceans millions of years ago. As the bidding continues to escalate, the allure of owning a piece of natural history becomes even more enticing for collectors and enthusiasts alike.