Description
This 2018 $20 fine silver antique finish coin features a depiction of the fossilized remains of a Gorgosaurus, a faster relative of Tyrannosaurus rex. Today, their remains are the object of study and fascination. To add to the realistic appearance of this coin, the Royal Canadian Mint has employed a “splash struck” technique, giving each coin a unique shape much like a true fossil.
The coin weighs one ounce of pure silver, and has a limited mintage of just 5,500 coins. As a pure silver coin struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, this item is HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
The reverse design is based on fossils curated at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology in Drumheller, Alberta, and has been reviewed for scientific accuracy by palaeontologists at the Museum. Reproduced on a smaller scale, the articulated skeleton of a juvenile Gorgosaurus libratus fills most of the reverse; it is depicted in a classic death pose, with legs folded beneath the torso and the neck bent back towards the tail, while the jaw is lined with a fearsome set of sharp teeth. The combination of precision engraving and special finishes result in an eye-catching contrast between the smooth, timeworn look of the polished fossils and the rock-like texture of their “sandstone” encasement. The rimless coin’s unusual contour is the result of an old coin-minting technique, which allows the fine silver to “spill” out and form an irregular shape reminiscent of an ancient Roman coin. The patina finish and a prehistoric-looking font further add to the coin’s antique appearance. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. The coin comes ready-to-display in a floating frame. Measuring 80 mm x 80 mm x 34 mm, this framed presentation makes for one-of-a-kind display art and collectible at the same time.
