The Unicorn of the Sea at Auction: A $74,400 Narwhal Tusk

Getting to handle unique and sought-after objects is what makes us excited to work here at Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals. But recently, we made history with a 99.5-inch narwhal tusk. When the final gavel fell, the price had soared to $74,400, setting a record for being one of the highest prices ever achieved for a single narwhal tusk at auction.

This sale raises a fascinating question: What makes a narwhal tusk so incredibly valuable, and what should collectors know about the market for a narwhal tusk for sale?

What Exactly Is a Narwhal Tusk?

Often called the “unicorn of the sea,” the narwhal (Monodon monoceros) is an arctic whale shrouded in myth and legend. For centuries, its tusk was passed off by sailors and traders as a unicorn’s horn, believed to possess magical healing properties.

The reality is just as fascinating. The iconic tusk is not a horn, but an elongated canine tooth that can grow up to 10 feet long. It projects from the left side of the upper jaw of male narwhals and is a marvel of natural engineering. Its characteristic left-hand spiral is instantly recognizable. Scientists have discovered it is a complex sensory organ, with millions of nerve endings that help the narwhal navigate and understand its arctic environment.

The Anatomy of Value: Our Record-Breaking $74,400 Tusk

When we first saw the 99.5-inch tusk consigned to us, we knew it was extraordinary. For any narwhal tusk for sale, its value is determined by a few key factors, and this one ticked every box:

• Exceptional Length: At nearly 8 feet and 4 inches (99.5"), it ranks near the absolute upper limits of tusk growth, the largest specimen we know of to appear at public auction in decades.
• Pristine Condition: The tusk displays an excellent spiraling form accented by a modest patina and remains completely original with an intact tip. Only one small, stable stress crack near the base was noted—an expected natural feature that did not detract from the object’s presentation.
• Solid Provenance: Accompanied by its original invoice from the esteemed Danish auction house Arne Bruun Rasmussen (February 7, 1978), it was cataloged as an antique from a pre-1920 Danish collection. When imported into the U.S., it was formally recognized as being grandfathered under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, allowing it to be legally sold and transferred today.
• Rarity: Few narwhal tusks reach such size, condition, and legal transactable status. Its documented history and scarcity made it a once-in-a-generation offering.

These qualities fueled intense competition, driving the hammer price to $74,400 and confirming the strength of the market for premier natural history objects.

Inside the Auction: Fierce Bidding for the Unicorn of the Sea

Auction comparables of this caliber are exceptionally rare. The closest was a 98.75-inch tusk sold in London in 2013, which achieved nearly $48,000 USD. More recent benchmarks show demand accelerating: a 76.5-inch tusk sold for over $37,500 in Windsor, CT (January 2025), and a 60-inch tusk brought $23,200 in Nantucket, MA (August 2025).

Against this backdrop, the record-setting result in Alaska underscored just how exceptional this tusk was. Its near-perfect condition, impeccable provenance, and sheer size combined to create a bidding war that captivated collectors.

Beyond the numbers, narwhal tusks have always carried a cultural mystique. In Renaissance Europe, they were treasured as the legendary “unicorn horn,” thought to hold magical and medicinal powers. The most famous example may be the elaborately mounted tusk presented to Queen Elizabeth I of England, valued then as highly as a castle. These deep historical associations continue to inspire awe in today’s collectors.

Navigating the Market: Finding a Narwhal Tusk for Sale

The market for narwhal tusks is exclusive and requires expert guidance. Due to their origin, the sale of these tusks is rightly regulated. In the United States, any narwhal tusk for sale must be “pre-act,” meaning it must have been harvested and imported before the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972.

This is why working with a reputable auction house is crucial. We provide:

• Expert Vetting: Our specialists meticulously verify the age, authenticity, and legal status of every specimen we handle.
• Global Reach: We connect consignors with a worldwide network of serious collectors who are actively seeking objects of this caliber.
• Market Leadership: As demonstrated by our record-breaking sale, we know how to accurately value and market these rare items to achieve their maximum potential.

Do You Have a Treasure of Your Own?

The story of this narwhal tusk is a powerful reminder that rare and exceptional objects are hiding in collections all over the world. From maritime antiques to natural history specimens, these pieces command significant interest from a passionate global audience.

The record-setting price for this narwhal tusk highlights the trust that both sellers and buyers place in our expertise.

Contact Our Specialists

If you possess a narwhal tusk or other significant natural history artifacts, we invite you to contact our specialists. Let us help you uncover the true value of your collection and potentially set the next world record.

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