Rare Calycoceras Newboldiceras vergonsense Fossil Ammonite Middle Cenomanian Cretaceous Sussex UK – Genuine Certified Collector Specimen

Description

Rare Calycoceras (Newboldiceras) vergonsense Fossil Ammonite from Sussex, UK

This Calycoceras (Newboldiceras) vergonsense fossil ammonite is an exceptional and rare find from the Middle Cenomanian stage of the Late Cretaceous Period, discovered in the fossil-rich deposits of Sussex, United Kingdom. This specimen represents a fascinating chapter in the evolutionary history of ammonites, with its beautifully preserved shell structure and distinct morphological features making it both a scientifically valuable and visually striking collector’s piece. The specimen shown in the photographs is the exact one you will receive.

Geological Age and Location

Formed approximately 100.5–93.9 million years ago, during the Middle Cenomanian, this ammonite hails from an era when warm, shallow seas covered much of present-day southern England. Sussex’s chalk and marl formations from this period are world-renowned for yielding superbly preserved marine fossils, including ammonites, belemnites, and marine reptiles. The depositional environment was a calm, nutrient-rich marine shelf, where fine sediments allowed for exceptional fossil preservation.

Scientific Classification

• Species: Calycoceras (Newboldiceras) vergonsense
• Family: Acanthoceratidae
• Superfamily: Acanthoceratoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Geological Stage: Middle Cenomanian, Late Cretaceous

This species is an important biostratigraphic marker for the Middle Cenomanian, often used to identify and date equivalent-aged deposits in Europe and beyond.

Morphological Features

The fossil exhibits classic Calycoceras traits, including:

• Strong, prominent ribbing extending across the whorls.
• Well-defined tubercles along the flanks, serving as distinctive identification features.
• A moderately involute shell with compressed whorls, creating a balanced, elegant form.
• Fine detail preserved along the ribs and suture lines, providing insight into the ammonite’s complex internal chamber structure.

These morphological features not only aid in scientific identification but also enhance its visual appeal for display.

Paleoenvironment and Ecology

During the Middle Cenomanian, Calycoceras (Newboldiceras) vergonsense thrived in the open marine environments of the Cretaceous seas. As a nektonic predator, it was an active swimmer, likely preying on small fish, crustaceans, and planktonic organisms. Its streamlined shape and buoyant shell allowed it to manoeuvre effectively in the water column, much like its modern cephalopod relatives—squid and cuttlefish.

When these ammonites died, their shells sank to the seabed, where rapid burial by fine sediment in low-oxygen conditions prevented decomposition and preserved their fine details for millions of years. The chalk-rich seabed of the Sussex coast played a crucial role in the remarkable quality of fossilisation seen in this specimen.

Collector Value and Significance

A Calycoceras (Newboldiceras) vergonsense from Sussex is a highly sought-after addition to any fossil collection due to its rarity, superb preservation, and strong visual features. Its significance as a zonal fossil also makes it an excellent specimen for educational and reference purposes. This piece would make a stunning centrepiece for display in either a private collection or an academic setting.

Authenticity and Certification

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. This ensures you can purchase with complete confidence, knowing that your fossil is authentic, accurately identified, and responsibly sourced.