Rare: Acanthopleuroceras valdani Fossil Ammonite – Lower Pliensbachian, Lower Jurassic, Radstock Somerset UK – Genuine + COA

Description

A rare and scientifically important Acanthopleuroceras valdani Fossil Ammonite, from the Lower Pliensbachian Stage of the Lower Jurassic, collected in Radstock, Somerset, United Kingdom. This ammonite is an excellent representative of the genus Acanthopleuroceras, recognised for its bold ribbing and distinctive shell form. The specimen shown in the photographs is the exact one you will receive and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Fossil Type & Species:

• Type: Ammonite (extinct marine cephalopod)
• Species: Acanthopleuroceras valdani
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Eoderoceratoidea
• Family: Dactylioceratidae

Geological Context:

• Period: Jurassic
• Epoch/Stage: Lower Jurassic – Lower Pliensbachian (approx. 190.8 to 189 million years ago)
• Biozone: Typically associated with the Valdani Subzone of the Jamesoni Zone, a key ammonite horizon in Lower Pliensbachian stratigraphy
• Formation: Lower Lias Group
• Depositional Environment: Shallow marine shelf with alternating marls and limestones, favourable for ammonite preservation

Locality:

• Region: Radstock, Somerset, United Kingdom

Morphology & Features:

• Evolute shell with wide umbilicus
• Coarse ribbing, many ribs bifurcating from the umbilical edge and continuing strongly over the venter
• Robust ornamentation typical of Acanthopleuroceras, making it easily identifiable
• Excellent natural preservation highlighting diagnostic features

Scientific Notes:

• Acanthopleuroceras valdani was first described by Sowerby (1824), one of the foremost early British palaeontologists
• It is a stratigraphically important ammonite species for defining Lower Pliensbachian sequences in the UK and NW Europe

Notable Details:

• Rare British ammonite with bold ribbing and fine preservation
• 100% genuine, natural specimen – no restoration
• Scale Reference: Each square or cube in the photo = 1cm. Please check the images for accurate sizing

Authenticity & Guarantee: All of our fossils are 100% genuine, responsibly sourced, and professionally curated. Each specimen is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The fossil you see is the exact one you will receive.

This Acanthopleuroceras valdani ammonite is a rare and scientifically valuable fossil from the Lower Jurassic of Somerset – perfect for collectors, researchers, or natural history display.