Hero background

All auctions / Ethnographic / Red-brown South Africa cowrie: Cypraea fuscorubra (37 mm)...

1d 23hDECatawiki

Red-brown South Africa cowrie: Cypraea fuscorubra (37 mm)...

Red-brown South Africa cowrie: Cypraea fuscorubra (37 mm)...

Expand your collection with a true endemism rarity from the southern tip of Africa. The Cypraea fuscorubra (scientifically recognized as Cypraeovula fuscorubra) belongs to the most characteristic and sought-after representatives of the South African cowrie fauna. It fascinates with its typically bulging shape and the beautiful, name-giving color pattern of reddish-brown to olive spots on a light background. With an exceptional shell size of 37 mm, this is a hand-picked large specimen. The high-gloss, porcelain-like enamel coating is perfectly preserved and completely free of flaws. Origin This authentic collector’s piece comes from the famous Hout Bay (South Africa). The snail was recovered there by experienced licensed divers at a depth of about 35 meters on rocky sponge reefs. Due to the cold and current-rich waters of this region, the shells exhibit an unusually solid structure and a fascinating deep gloss. Product details Species: Red-brown Cape cowrie (Cypraea fuscorubra / Syn. Cypraovula fuscorubra) Size: approx. 37 mm (above-average top size for this species) Quality grade: GEM (Absolute pristine condition; flawless base, perfect teeth, no growth defects or fine scratches) Color: Cream-colored base with an intense reddish-brown to cinnamon-colored dorsum pattern Special feature: Unpolished, non-acid-cleaned specimen in a rare collector’s dimension Oberdiek :Cypraea fuscorubra

Estimate:$168.78

To the auction

View all items fromCatawikiorEthnographic

Estimate:

$168.78

To the auction

Similar items

Auction results for similar items

Upcoming auctions

October 16 & 17, 2026 Coin Op & Advertising - Las Vegas
October 16 & 17, 2026 Coin Op & Advertising - Las Vegas auction house logo

OCT 17 | 10:00 PM

October 16 & 17, 2026 Coin Op & Advertising - Las Vegas

Jewellery and Fine Art
Jewellery and Fine Art auction house logo

Jewellery and Fine Art

Bring your auction to collectors worldwide!

Get listed now
Red-brown South Africa cowrie: Cypraea fuscorubra (37 mm)...