Fossil Value & Appraisal

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Posted by neil.kingery

7 months ago

AI Appraisal

💬 1 Comment 🗣️ Discuss with Community

Description

I believe this is what the fossil is called, "Cladocyclus gardneri Agassiz". Is has been in my family since before WW1. It has been passed down from Generation to Generation & now I have I have received it I was hoping to learn a bit more about it other than what I have learned on the Internet. As I said in my opening, I am not 100% that this is called a "Cladocyclus gardneri Agassiz", But I believe it is. The Fossil is over 36 inches long and over 5 inches wide and in one piece as you can see in the photos. I was just wondering what the value on something like this may be and should I have this insured or donated to a museum or anything else you may be able to tell me about this huge fossil. I greatly appreciate in and all information that you can provide as well as ballpark on the value if feasable. Thank you so much for your time. My name is Neil Kingery, direct phone #937-776-5120

Category Other

Condition Excellent

Size and dimensions of this item 36 inches long X 5 inches wide at max point

Weight 25 lbs

History Been in my family since early 1900's

Price Paid (If known) family heirloom passed down to me by uncle

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Cladocyclus gardneri Agassiz Fossil

📜 Authentication & Identification

Species: Cladocyclus gardneri (tentative, based on morphology and shape).
Geological Formation: Santana Formation, Araripe Basin, Brazil.
Era: Lower Cretaceous (~110 million years ago).
Material: Fossilized fish embedded in limestone matrix.

The well-preserved scales, recognizable tail structure, and body proportions are consistent with known Cladocyclus specimens. However, confirmation would require in-person inspection by a paleontologist or a certified fossil appraiser.

📏 Dimensions & Condition

Length: ~36 inches (over 3 feet), which is unusually large for typical commercially traded Cladocyclus fossils.
Width: 5+ inches.
Weight: ~25 lbs.
Condition: Excellent – appears to be a complete specimen with significant surface detail and no major visible breaks or repairs.

This is an outstanding specimen given its size and preservation, both of which significantly enhance its value and rarity.

💵 Appraised Value (Estimate)

Values can vary based on size, preservation, provenance, and market demand. Based on current fossil market trends:

Retail/Appraised Value: $3,000–$6,000 USD.
Auction Value (well-publicized): Possibly up to $8,000–$10,000 for this size and quality.
Museum Donation Valuation: Could appraise even higher for tax deduction purposes, especially if certified by a recognized expert.

🏛️ What Should You Do With It?

You have a few strong options:

Insurance:
- If you’re keeping it, this fossil is valuable enough to justify adding to your homeowner’s or specialized collectibles insurance policy. Have it professionally appraised in writing first.
Museum Donation:
- A university or natural history museum might be very interested. If donated with proper appraisal, it can yield a significant tax deduction (you’d need a qualified appraiser for IRS Form 8283 if over $5,000).
Professional Appraisal:
- Recommended. Seek an appraisal from a certified member of the Appraisers Association of America or a paleontological expert through a natural history museum or university.
Preservation Tips:
- Keep out of direct sunlight and high humidity.
- Do not use cleaning chemicals. A light, dry dusting is safest.
- Consider a display case or protective acrylic covering.

🧠 Additional Notes

The species was described by Louis Agassiz, a famous 19th-century Swiss paleontologist.
Cladocyclus fossils were some of the earliest examples from the Santana Formation to gain widespread scientific and collector interest.

Fossil