Lot 922
Ten Trilobites on One Plate. Most trilobites are found as individuals and usually fragmented. A single complete trilobite is desirable. Mass mortality groupings such as this 375 million year old 7.5X5 inch plate from Ofaten, Morocco are rare. What makes this mortality grouping even rarer as all 10 of the trilobites were buried while still alive and not just molts that occur when trilobites change their outer shells as they grow. The surface of this gray plate is covered with ten complete 1-1.5 inch long black trilobites. At first glance it looks like all ten trilobites belong to the same species but actually six trilobites belong to Cyphasis and four to Otarion. Both spiny trilobites have long pygidium spines and stalked eyes but Cyphasis also has two sharp spines that extend forward from its head (cephalon). That is the reason it has the nickname of "devil's horn". The two spines look like antennae but are made of calcite and not soft tissue like the antennae. Trilobites were one of the very first animals to have eyes and originated over 500 million years ago. More than 20 hours of professional prep work were required to remove the very life-like trilobites from their stony tomb.
Estimated Value $850 - 1,300.
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| Realized $523 |
