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What are Megalodon teeth actually worth? Size is the biggest factor, but location, condition, serration quality, root completeness, and restoration disclosure all affect price. These are verified sales — not asking prices.
1. Size (Slant Height) — The single biggest factor. A 3-inch tooth sells for $50–$200. A 5-inch tooth sells for $1,000–$4,000. A 6-inch+ museum-grade tooth can sell for $5,000–$25,000+. The "slant height" is measured from tip to the longest root corner — not straight vertical height. Always confirm measurement method.
2. Serration Quality — Sharp, well-defined serrations dramatically increase value. Worn or sanded serrations reduce value by 40–60%. Many sellers lightly sand teeth to "sharpen" serrations — this is restoration and must be disclosed. Natural serration sharpness can't be replicated.
3. Enamel Condition — Intact, glossy enamel is highly desirable. Peeling, cracking, or dull enamel reduces value. Natural enamel has a distinctive luster that can't be faked — but can be enhanced with mineral oil (disclose if present).
4. Root Completeness — A complete, intact root is significantly more valuable than a partial or missing root. Most Megalodon teeth are found without roots or with partial roots. A complete tooth with full root is rare. Root repairs must be disclosed — UV light reveals glue at root-crown joins.
5. Location — Teeth from specific locations command premiums. South Carolina (Hawthorne Formation) is the most desirable. Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina produce excellent teeth. Moroccan Megalodon teeth exist but are rarer and often misidentified. A location claim without documentation should drop the price by 20–40%.
| Size | Location | Sold |
|---|---|---|
| 6.03" | South Carolina | $12,500 |
| 5.92" | South Carolina | $8,500 |
| 5.47" | North Carolina | $4,200 |
| 4.83" | Florida | $1,800 |
| 3.91" | Georgia | $350 |
| 3.15" | Morocco | $85 |
Fake casts — Resin or plaster casts are the most common fake. They're lighter than real teeth, have air bubbles visible under magnification, and lack the micro-porous texture of real fossil enamel. UV light reveals uniform fluorescence of the cast material.
Composited teeth — The crown from one tooth glued to the root of another. UV light reveals the join as a bright line. The crown and root may have different colors or enamel quality.
Restored/repaired teeth — Chipped enamel filled and repainted. Cracked roots glued. Sanded enamel to "sharpen" serrations. All must be disclosed. UV light and acetone tests reveal hidden restoration.
Location fabrication — A generic Megalodon tooth claimed to be from a premium location. Without GPS coordinates, landowner documentation, or dive site records, the location claim is unverifiable. Price accordingly.