6.25x7-7/8x.5" deep, superb specimen contains the complete fossilized remains of a 4.75" long horseshoe crab, Mesolimulus walchi. Mesolimulus is an extinct genus of arthropod. The best known examples are found in Solnhofen limestone near Solnhofen, Bavaria, Germany, which is where this specimen was unearthed. Originally assigned to the living genus Limulus, they are related to and look virtually identical to the modern horseshoe crab. Horseshoe crabs in general date to the Ordovician Period, more than 440 million years ago, and fossils indicate that they have changed little over the last 300 million years. This specimen dates to the Jurassic Period, 201.3–145 million years ago. Fossils preserved in Solenhofen limestone are unusual because both soft body parts and skeletons are clearly represented. The example we are offering is wonderfully preserved, w/the dorsal side of the fossil making for a wonderful display. From the Robert M. Overstreet Collection and comes with COA.