Museum quality: giant mole cowry snail Cypraea talpa 81 mm – GEM Taxidermy wall mount - Cypraea Talpa - 8.1 cm - 0 mm - 0 mm - CITES Appendix II - Annex B in the EU - 1





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Museum-quality specimen of the mole cowry Cypraea talpa, GEM Grade, 81 mm, from the USA, dated 1977, CITES Appendix II – Annex B in the EU.
Description from the seller
Detailed product description
Short description
For sale is an absolutely breathtaking, flawless showcase specimen of a mole cowrie shell (Cypraea talpa, often also listed as Talostolida talpa). The shell possesses an extraordinary, spectacular size of 81 mm, thereby surpassing the magical collector threshold for giant specimens of this species. The specimen has been classified with the rare top rating „GEM Grade“. This means it is in a completely fault-free natural state with no optical or structural defects. An absolute crown jewel for any discerning cowrie shell collection (Cypraeidae) with high value appreciation potential.
Product details & highlights at a glance
Species: Cypraea talpa (Linnaeus, 1758)
Family: Cowries (Cypraeidae)
German name: Mole Cowrie / Maulwurf-Porzellanschnecke
Size: 81 mm (exceptional giant size / Giant Specimen)
Condition / Grading: GEM Grade (highest achievable collector level; absolutely perfect)
Surface: Mirror-smooth shell with a deep, glassy and pristine natural enamel sheen
Coloring: Stunning, dramatic contrast – the dorsum shows beautiful, gold-brown transverse bands, while the base and margins are immersed in a deep, rich brown-black to jet black
Origin: Tropical Indo-Pacific (deep-water find from coral-rich reef regions, usually under coral blocks at 10–30 meters depth)
Condition description
This specimen is an absolute rarity in GEM condition. The essential, natural gloss so crucial for cowries is 100% mirror-like preserved and shows no hairlines, dull spots, scratches or “growth lines.” The fine white teeth along the shell aperture are deep, sharply defined and stand in perfect contrast to the deep-black base. The piece has been extremely gently treated throughout its life, kept dark and dry in a high-end private collection.
SKU Oberdiek Cypraea talpa 50
TAGS: Nautilus, Sea Shell, Nautic, Maritime, Nautical shells, Snails, Collectible, Rare
Seller's Story
Detailed product description
Short description
For sale is an absolutely breathtaking, flawless showcase specimen of a mole cowrie shell (Cypraea talpa, often also listed as Talostolida talpa). The shell possesses an extraordinary, spectacular size of 81 mm, thereby surpassing the magical collector threshold for giant specimens of this species. The specimen has been classified with the rare top rating „GEM Grade“. This means it is in a completely fault-free natural state with no optical or structural defects. An absolute crown jewel for any discerning cowrie shell collection (Cypraeidae) with high value appreciation potential.
Product details & highlights at a glance
Species: Cypraea talpa (Linnaeus, 1758)
Family: Cowries (Cypraeidae)
German name: Mole Cowrie / Maulwurf-Porzellanschnecke
Size: 81 mm (exceptional giant size / Giant Specimen)
Condition / Grading: GEM Grade (highest achievable collector level; absolutely perfect)
Surface: Mirror-smooth shell with a deep, glassy and pristine natural enamel sheen
Coloring: Stunning, dramatic contrast – the dorsum shows beautiful, gold-brown transverse bands, while the base and margins are immersed in a deep, rich brown-black to jet black
Origin: Tropical Indo-Pacific (deep-water find from coral-rich reef regions, usually under coral blocks at 10–30 meters depth)
Condition description
This specimen is an absolute rarity in GEM condition. The essential, natural gloss so crucial for cowries is 100% mirror-like preserved and shows no hairlines, dull spots, scratches or “growth lines.” The fine white teeth along the shell aperture are deep, sharply defined and stand in perfect contrast to the deep-black base. The piece has been extremely gently treated throughout its life, kept dark and dry in a high-end private collection.
SKU Oberdiek Cypraea talpa 50
TAGS: Nautilus, Sea Shell, Nautic, Maritime, Nautical shells, Snails, Collectible, Rare
Seller's Story
Details
Disclaimer
Bidders need to be aware that several countries do not allow importing objects derived from endangered and other protected species, even if a certificate of origin is provided. By bidding, you confirm that you have familiarised yourself with customs laws and regulations of your own country.
Bidders need to be aware that several countries do not allow importing objects derived from endangered and other protected species, even if a certificate of origin is provided. By bidding, you confirm that you have familiarised yourself with customs laws and regulations of your own country.

