What kind/type is this shell?

Question

I have this shell for years, and only now start wondering what kind/type/specie is it and from which sea. So if anyone knows something about it (Latin name, where this kind come from), I would really like to know. Also does it have any collections value (don't mean market value, but would it be worth giving it somebody for collection).

Thanks

http://img379.imageshack.us/img379/3597/shellbz6.jpg

Answer 1

I had one of these as a kid - it's a cowry shell.

I remember reading that an island nation somewhere used small ones as a form of money.

Answer 2

Ohh! i had a souvenir made out of those shells.. I'm not sure what they're called though

Answer 3

I saw a snail with that shell being sold at my lfs, so all i know is it was a saltwater snail! 4got to write down the name, I wanted to get it, but my mom said no.=(

Answer 4

i have one

its a cowrie shell

it looks like a cypraea tigris (type of cowrie)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowry

Answer 5

It is a cowry shell. It is not that valuable, they are a common shell sold at the market. If someone does not have one, then they would probably welcome it into their collection as it is beautiful, although it doesn't have much value.