Anne M.

Mearto specialist

Hello Garland, Thank you so much for your patience. After careful consideration, I do not believe that the presented object is human remains. The fossilization or semi-fossilization of the object does not relate to other fossilized human remains conditions, though some semi-fossilized specimens could have some similarities. The biggest indicator is the supposed fingernail and nail bed. They do not match authenticated fossilized human remains found in nature. Your object is more likely to be one of the following: 1. Coprolite: $100 to $150 Coprolite is fossilized feces. Typically composed of calcium phosphate, but can also contain other minerals, such as silica and iron. Found in a variety of geological settings, including marine sediments, river deposits, and lake beds. 2. Mineral deposit: $25 to $100 (or higher as it is dependent on mineral type) A mineral deposit specimen is a sample of rock or ore that contains a significant amount of one or more minerals. Specimens are often collected by geologists, mineralogists, and hobbyists for study or display. 3. Cast off of a bronze or mixed metal sculpture. $10 to $75 (dependent on materials). It could also be a stone or other material manipulated to appear as a human finger. If the presented object is indeed human remains, ultimately the item is not yours to sell or own. However, following a lengthy process; you would, perhaps, be able to donate it in your name to a cultural institution. It should immediately be reported to regional law enforcement and investigations. They would help determine if the human remains can be categorized as historic and/or are part of archaeology protection laws of your nation/ state and the nation/ state of origin. Three regional organizations to reach out to would be: North Fort WorthHistorical Society https://www.fortworthstockyards.org/play/north-fort-worth-historical-society Fort Worth Geological Society https://www.fwgs.org/ The Shuler Museum of Paleontology https://blog.smu.edu/shulermuseumofpaleontology/contact-2/ From images alone, it is not possible to determine the age, origin, materials of the object with accuracy. To truly determine the authenticity of the object you would need to schedule an in-person (and expensive) process of sectioning the specimen, or a form of radiation to authenticate the item, which would likely not be justified by the fair market value of the item. I hope that this helps -- if you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section below! Kind regards, Anne