Lot 85C

Green River Fossilized Palm Flower & Priscacara Fish

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Lot 85
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Green River Fossilized Palm Flower & Priscacara Fish
Green River Fossilized Palm Flower & Priscacara Fish
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Green River Fossilized Palm Flower & Priscacara Fish

Estimate: $11,000 - $16,500
October 2, 2025 8:00 AM MDT (In Progress)
Live Auction
Louisville, CO, US
Description:

North America, Wyoming, Green River Formation, Eocene Period, ca. 53.5 to 48.5 million years ago. This remarkable stone matrix contains a fossilized prehistoric palm flower and Priscacara fish. Palm flowers are typically small and clustered, often arranged in inflorescences on a segmented stem that emerges from the base of the palm's leaves or trunk. Although palms are terrestrial, the arrangement of the fish and flowers creates the illusion of an aquarium scene! The fish's body is expertly excavated and slightly recessed into the surface, enhancing its three-dimensional appearance. The stone is meticulously prepared, featuring a wooden panel backing and metal hardware for easy wall mounting, making it a stunning piece for display! Size: 19.5" L x 1.3" W x 33" H (49.5 cm x 3.3 cm x 83.8 cm)

The sediment from the Green River Formation was deposited over a 5-million-year span, and while the layers of flora and fauna may not have fossilized simultaneously, they create fascinating composites. The Eocene epoch was the warmest period of the Cenozoic era, with an average mean temperature around 86F (30C); for comparison, the average mean temperature over the last seventy years has been about 58F (14C). Although the map of the Earth's surface would be quite recognizable to us today, with most continents in their current positions and India moving closer to its present location, there were essentially no ice caps, and vast expanses of the landscape were covered by water, including enormous inland seas. This impressive, aquarium-like arrangement provides a rare glimpse into a prehistoric environment that was drastically different from the semi-arid Wyoming landscape we see today!

#192107

  • Condition: Professionally prepared, fish is inlaid into the surface. Mounted on a wooden board backing. Great preservation to fish and palm flower. Comes with metal hardware for mounting to a wall.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000