2008 Canadian $4 Fossilized Dinosaur: Triceratops Fine Silver Coin

2008 Canadian $4 Fossilized Dinosaur: Triceratops Fine Silver Coin

The iconic Triceratops, easily identified by the trio of horns on its face, was one of 14 horned (ceratopsian) species that roamed Alberta and Saskatchewan some 65 million years ago. Today, all that remains of these fearsome creatures are the fossils found in the rocky layers beneath western Canada’s soil - one of the richest dinosaur deposits on earth.

It is a discovery that sends hearts pounding and opens a window to the mystifying world of dinosaurs. Their fossilized bones testify to the massive beasts that once ruled the earth but disappeared suddenly 65 million years ago. During the time of these great beasts, a great inland sea covered much of western Canada and the area now known as Alberta and Saskatchewan was a lush subtropical shore and home to over 35 dinosaur species. As these animals died, the evolving landscape covered their bones with centuries of mud and sand only to be revealed when the glaciers from the last Ice Age scraped away the top layers of rock and exposed bits of fossilized bone.

Discovered by paleontologists in the late 1800's, they inspired generations of dinosaur hunters and established Canada as one of the richest sources of Late Cretaceous fossils on earth. Triceratops was one of 14 horned (ceratopsian) species that flourished throughout Alberta between 65 and 72 million years ago. Triceratops (meaning "three-horned face") is easily identified by the three menacing horns on its face which combine with the large frill over its neck to intimidate wouldbe attackers.

These dinosaurs were solidly built, weighing as much as 6,000 kg (13,200 lb) and measuring up to 9 m (30 ft) long.

Design

This coin shows a complete Triceratops skull, a rare discovery that was made in Saskatchewan in 1967. This Triceratops skull design has been approved by paleontologists at the Royal Tyrell Museum in Alberta. No two coins in the Giants of Prehistory Series are alike, thanks to a selective aging process that simulates the ancient rocks where dinosaur fossils are found.

Packaging

2008 Canadian $4 Fossilized Dinosaur: Triceratops Fine Silver Coin comes encapsulated in Royal Canadian Mint clamshell case, black beauty box and Certificate of Authenticity.

Specifications

Face Value: $4
Mintage: 20,000
Composition: 99.99% Silver
Weight (g): 15.87
Diameter (mm): 34.0
Finish: Proof (with selective aging effect on the reverse)