Lot 1194
Extremely Large, Rare Trilobite From Ohio. Isotelus maximus is the 475 million year old trilobite that has been designated as the state fossil of Ohio. At that time Ohio was situated south of the equator, about where northern Australia is located today. Isotelus maximus was the largest predatory trilobite of its time; a 14½" long specimen was donated to the Smithsonian in 1919 and proudly displayed as the largest complete trilobite known. Larger trilobites have been discovered since then, but most trilobites found are still only 1" to 2" long. This spectacular trilobite is 9½x6" and lies in a 16x10" stone matrix. The head (cephalon) is slightly separated from the rest of the body (thorax) which indicates that this specimen is a molt. Trilobites, like their ancestor spiders, need to shed their hard shell outer layers as they grow larger. Trilobites shed their hard exoskeleton and quickly formed a new larger one. Shed molts (shells) are not rare in the fossil record, but one of this extreme size certainly is. Most trilobite collectors have to be satisfied with a 4" or 5" long Isotelus maximus and wait many years to locate a 9½" giant such as this. Allow $50 for domestic shipping.
Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,300.
|
| |
| Realized $1,495 |
