What is a Megalodon Tooth, and Why Do I Need One?

Whether you’re Shark Week obsessed or not, you’ve probably heard of the monster of all sharks: Megalodon, or “Meg.” Although it’s been extinct for millions of years, Megalodon is still very much alive and well for anyone interested in collecting shark tooth pendants or memorabilia. If you’re looking for a reason to buy a prehistoric shark tooth, look no further.

Did you know that Megalodon was the largest known marine predator on Earth, capable of reaching lengths up to 60-70 feet long with a weight of more than 60 tons? Known as one of the largest predators to ever swim the Earth’s oceans, Megalodon was a force to be reckoned with. Getting your hands on authentic, quality Megalodon artifacts can be a little tricky and often time-consuming since Megalodon went extinct millions of years ago.

Here at Whaler’s Locker, we’re proud to maintain a diverse collection of Megalodon teeth for collectors and shark enthusiasts alike. But before we show you our favorite pieces in our collection, we want to give you a little more information about Megalodon and why you need the artifacts they left behind in your home!

What is a Megalodon?

Meaning “big tooth,” Megalodon is an extinct shark species that lived more than 23 to 3.6 million years ago. Reportedly a stockier version of the Great White, Megalodon was one of the largest, most powerful predators that ever lived. The average size of Megalodon? Up to 34 feet! How does that compare to the Great White Sharks that we know today? A Great White’s average size is only about 20 feet—pretty small compared to Megalodon!

One of the unique things about Megalodon is that it was able to manipulate its body temperature, meaning that it was not exclusively cold-blooded. By manipulating its muscles while swimming, Megalodon was able to keep its body temperature higher than most sharks we know today, which are primarily cold-blooded. This generated heat allowed Megalodon to swim and hunt in colder waters and climates, giving it access to more prey.

Although there are different types of fossils, the most common Megaladon artifacts found are its teeth. Identifying shark teeth versus other animals may be simple, but finding a  prized shark artifacts is always prefered. The largest of any known shark species, a Megalodon tooth can measure up to seven inches. With five complete rows of teeth, scientists believe that a Megalodon had over 250 teeth!

Many of the Megalodon teeth found today were located at the bottom of saltwater creeks and rivers and along the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida. These aren’t the only places Megalodon artifacts have been uncovered, however. They’re also commonly found off the coast of Morocco and parts of Australia, as well.

What’s so Special About a Megalodon Tooth?

Because Megalodon went extinct around 2.6 million years ago, its fossils are very sought after by collectors and shark lovers everywhere. As oceans became colder and water levels in the sea dropped, Megalodon’s food sources died out, causing Megalodon’s extinction. Therefore, a Megalodon tooth is not an artifact you can find just anywhere.

How Well Do You Know The Megalodon?

If you need any shark questions answered, get ready! Here’s your chance to prove your knowledge of this marine legend of mythic proportions. We’ve compiled 14 surprising facts about Megalodon below that you might not know.

Fun Facts About the Megalodon

1. Megalodon ate up to 2,500 pounds of food PER day! Its food sources included baleen whales, dolphins, seals, and other large marine animals and fish.

2. Megalodon fossils have been found off the coast of every continent on Earth except for Antarctica.

3. Megalodon’s mouth was nearly ten feet wide, giving them the most powerful bite of all time.
   

4. Most of what we know about Megalodon is thanks to the discovery of artifacts like teeth since sharks do not have bones. The largest Megalodon tooth was 6.9 inches long!

5. Swiss naturalist Louis Agassiz gave Megalodon its first scientific name, Carcharodon megalodon, in 1837. However, a new genus, Carcharocles, was later created to classify Megalodon, as further evidence states that it and the Great White Shark we know today are not as closely related as scientists once thought.

6. As its teeth became worn down, Megalodon shed them, and new ones would grow back in as little as 24-48 hours!

7. The modern sperm whale is longer than Megalodon was, but Megalodon was by far heavier in weight.

8. Scientists estimate that Megalodon would have been able to swim up to 11 miles per hour!

9.  Megalodon teeth are the state fossil of North Carolina.

10. Mature Megalodons did not have any predators; however, newly birthed and juvenile Megalodons were susceptible to attack by predators like Great Hammerhead sharks.

11. Megalodon sharks made use of nurseries in shallow, warm waters close to shore for their young. Within these nurseries is where they learned to hunt, and it was much more secure, keeping them safe from larger predators.

12. A Megalodon tooth is nearly three times longer than the tooth of a Great White Shark.
    

13. Megalodon was known as an apex predator, meaning it was the top carnivore in all marine environments where it lived.

14. Despite fictionalized programs contrary to the fact, scientists confirm that there is no way that Megalodon could exist today. Therefore, there is no question that they are truly an extinct species.

Where Can I Buy a Megalodon Tooth?

The price depends mainly on the size; a smaller Megalodon tooth can be purchased for a couple of hundred dollars, while larger, more intact teeth typically sell for thousands.

Whaler’s Locker is proud to have a unique collection of Megalodon teeth. We’re pleased to say we’ve curated a collection that has something for everyone, from the budding collector to the shark fanatic looking for the perfect statement piece for their collection of marine artifacts. We proudly carry Megaladon teeth in various sizes and colors, ensuring that our collection includes a little something for everyone. We strive to feature one-of-a-kind pieces that will spark joy in your life for years to come!

Our 5 Favorite Megalodon Finds

We’ve chosen to highlight five of our favorite Megalodon teeth in the shop currently, based on size and price point, from lowest to highest. We have something to complete anyone’s private collection. If you don’t believe us, check out our more complete selection.

1. 3 1/8” Extra Cute Partial Megalodon Tooth

Perfect for the start of your collection of shark artifacts, this Megalodon tooth measures just over 3 1/8 inches from corner to tip and has not been restored, maintaining its original integrity.

2. 5 1/4” Megalodon Tooth

Couple a light-colored tooth with its dark root, and you have this beautifully massive Megalodon tooth. This narrow tooth is perfect because of the visible serrations that can be seen all along its edges.

3. 4” Megalodon Tooth

Sure to be an exciting addition to any serious collector’s collection, this 4" Megalodon tooth is displayed beautifully on a stand for presentation purposes. Wow your friends and family with your taste in shark artifacts with this stunning piece of history!

4. Tiff’s Megalodon Pick

This beauty would make a perfect addition to anyone’s collection. In fact, it’s my very favorite Megalodon tooth in the shop currently. This A+ graded 4 5/8” tooth is unrestored and not modified. The best part? The unique curved shape it has and the nice serrations, showing even more personality and making it truly one-of-a-kind!

5. 5 5/16” Megalodon Tooth

This huge 5 5/16” megalodon tooth is the cream of the crop when it comes to Megalodon artifacts, making it an essential piece for any collector. Including the stand, this piece will make your private collection the talk of the town. A completely natural tooth with beautiful edges and an intact root, this Megalodon tooth is exquisite!

Remember, this list is just a sample of all the Megalodon artifacts we have to offer you at Whaler’s Locker. Not only do we have many more options to choose from, but we also have a lot of other unique gifts that are perfect gifts for your friends and family, as well!

4 Questions to Ask When Buying Megalodon Artifacts

There are a lot of things to look for before spending money on a Megalodon tooth. Since these artifacts can be a bit pricey, being confident in your purchase is essential to ensure that you’re happy with your purchase and that the Megalodon tooth you buy is a high-quality piece. Here are a few questions to answer to determine if the tooth is the right one to add to your collection:

1. What Size Megalodon Tooth Is Average?

Megalodon teeth are highly prized artifacts for serious collectors, and the larger, the better because those are even rarer artifacts that are hard to come by. For a Megaladon tooth, anything under five inches is relatively common, and as such, will be priced on the lower end of the pricing spectrum. If the Megalodon tooth is larger than five inches, it’s considered rarer and, depending on its quality, can sell for thousands of dollars.

2. What Colors are Common for Megalodon Teeth?

It is most common for Megalodon teeth to be dark gray, black, or brown, but they can take on virtually any color, as they take on the color of the sediment from the region they were deposited in. If you find a Megalodon tooth in a different color than those mentioned above, it is likely worth more, as it is a rarer artifact.

3. Are Megalodon Teeth Rare?

As noted above, the rarest Megalodon teeth are those that are larger. Therefore, you’re safe to assume the following motto when shopping for Megalodon artifacts: “The larger the tooth, the higher the price.” Likewise, as close to perfect as the Megalodon tooth is, the pricier it will be.

What Determines Shark Tooth Condition?

Whether you come across a tooth on the shores of a sandy beach or check out our massive polished 6” Megalodon tooth, perfect conditions can be hard to come by as these artifacts are millions of years old. To accurately find the price, some qualities you can look for are:

• Completely intact enamel
• A complete root
• Edges that aren’t chipped or broken
• Sharp edges and a sharp point
• Complete and well-defined serrations around the tooth
• Unique coloring of the tooth (black, gray, and brown are most common)

4. How Much Do Megalodon Teeth Cost?

Updating or even starting your Megalodon collection takes time, effort, and commitment. But most of all, it takes patience to find the right pieces at the right price for you. The demand for these high-quality teeth often surpasses the supply. Therefore, Megalodon teeth value increases for the more unique and rare artifacts on the market.

The search for these stunning pieces of marine life history can be an exciting adventure for you and everyone else in your life. Starting or maintaining a collection that can be passed down from generation to generation can create such a special bond between you and your family members. So, whether this is your first time shopping for Megalodon artifacts or you have a collection you’re looking to add to, the team at Whaler’s Locker can’t wait to help you find the perfect Megalodon tooth today!

Our Megalodon Teeth Price Points

We carry an assortment of one-of-a-kind fossilized teeth, not just in size, but in price. There’s no need to break the bank when you can browse in our different price categories for Megalodon teeth values:

• Under $100
• $101-500
• $501-1000
• Over $1000

Serving Maui Since 1971

Since 1971, our shop has called Lahaina, Maui home. We’ve served customers from all over the world, and now after 40 years, we’ve put our collection online to reach more of you! Not only do we get to share one-of-a-kind pieces with you, but we also take pride in spreading the Aloha spirit far and wide throughout the United States. It is our honor to provide you with a little piece of the Hawaiian Islands, no matter how far you are from us.

Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect shark memorabilia or are searching for the perfect hand-carved hooks or authentic scrimshaw pocketknives, wine openers, or lighters, we’ve got you covered.

Now picking out one-of-a-kind artifacts for everyone in your life has never been easier. Plus, we ship to all 50 states. Let us know how we can help you find the right gift for that special someone today!