Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 03:35 pm
Last Updated on May 2, 2024 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins
Millions of years ago the dinosaurs ruled this planet. These supersized herbivores and carnivores dominated the sea, land, and air and ruled supreme over all living thing until they met their demise at the end of the Cretaceous period. In tribute to these magnificent beasts, Royal Canadian Mint has issued this three-piece set of commemorative coins. Each is a 25 cents coin and reflects one of the dinosaurs known to frequent Canada during the reign of the supersized beasts.
Each piece in the set is designed to pay tribute to one of Canada’s dinosaur species. The three species highlighted are the Albertosaurus Sarcophagus, the Pachyrhinosaurus Canadensis and the Edmontonia Longiceps, which were all discovered in Canada.
Pachyrhinosaurus Canadensis
This dinosaur which falls in the family of Ceratopsids was first identified by name in 1950. It is unique in that instead of horns it features a nasal boss which is a large area of hardened mass on its face stretching from its nose backward towards its neck frill. This feature earned the herbivore its name which means ‘thick-nosed lizard’. Scientists opine that this was a form of horn substitute which the dinosaurs used to challenge each other by butting heads.
The coin representing this dinosaur presents onlookers with a view of the dinosaur in mid-charge with its head lowered to display its nasal boss and beautiful frill. To the left of the dinosaur, there is a lake which reflects a beautiful image of the sunset.
Albertosaurus Sarcophagus
It was this dinosaur that brought the spotlight of prehistoric finds to Canada with its 1884 discovery. It was the first carnivorous dinosaur discovered in the region. This dinosaur was characterized by a massive skull and sharp teeth which made it a formidable predator. It belonged to the Tyrannosaurid group and was a successful predator in the North American landscape. Among its prey were the Ceratopsids and Hadrosaurs.
With each look at this coin, you’ll be treated to direct frontal view of the dinosaur in attack mode as it appears to be charging forward. The dinosaur’s mouth is open, providing a full view of its magnificently powerful teeth. All of this action seems to be bursting forth from a forest as the coin’s circumference is decorated with greenery (such as ferns resembling the metasequoia conifers and Osmunda varieties) reflecting the prehistoric times.
All three coins bear the scientific names of the dinosaurs they promote along with the year 2019 and the word Canada. The obverse bears the Susanna Blunt designed image of Queen Elizabeth the second.
Edmontonia Longiceps
This dinosaur was a nodosaurid and got its name from the Edmonton Formation (now known as the Horseshoe Canyon Formation). It frequented the North American Landscape between 71.5 to 71 million years ago.
The reverse of the coin representing this dinosaur treats the viewer to a front-row view of the animal in what appears to be a freeze frame of it as it lumbers forward. The dinosaurs true magnificence is immaculately captured as its spikes and bony plates are sharply outlined. The dinosaur trods on earth decorated by Erlingdorfia leaves.
Your coins will be delivered to you in a pop-up case that opens into your own personal mini-museum displaying elements of Canada’s rich prehistoric past.These 25 cents coins make the perfect keepsake for Canada’s dinosaur lovers of all ages. They are also excellent teaching aids. Ready to gift yourself or someone else with these historic pieces? You can see them in person at Colonial Acres.
