The Royal Canadian Mint has unleashed a seriously cool coin: a $20 piece shaped like a dinosaur eye! Discover the prehistoric creature behind it and its Jurassic Park flair.
Hold on to your hats, folks! The Royal Canadian Mint has dropped a coin that's got us all feeling like we're about to be chased by a velociraptor. This isn't your grandma's coin collection – we're talking serious Jurassic Park vibes mixed with Canadian pride. Let's dive into the prehistoric pool of this 'Canadian coin, Jurassic Park, colourful' mashup!
The "Dinosaur Eye": A Canadian Coin That Roars
Forget boring old pennies; the "Dinosaur Eye" coin is here to make your pocket roar! Officially named "Regard sur les dinosaures" in French, this $20 coin is shaped and coloured to mimic the eye of the Thanatotheristes degrootorum, a tyrannosaur species discovered right here in Western Canada back in 2010. This makes it the first new tyrannosaur species found in Canada in 50 years!
What Makes This Coin So Special?
This isn't just any piece of metal. Crafted from 99.99% pure silver, the coin boasts a convex, oval shape with a bulging, full-colour eye at its centre. The surrounding design features finely engraved scales, giving it the appearance of textured dinosaur skin. According to the Mint, the design captures what this apex predator might have seen roaming the Cretaceous landscape, filled with other dinos and swampy Canadian forests. The coin was designed by Canadian paleoartist Julius Csotonyi, who aimed to balance vibrant imagery with scientific accuracy.
The "Reaper of Death" and Its Canadian Connection
Thanatotheristes, meaning "Reaper of Death," lived roughly 79.5 million years ago and could grow up to 10 metres long, weighing as much as 2.5 tonnes. Fossil remains were unearthed in Alberta, solidifying its status as Canada’s oldest known tyrannosaur and top predator of its time.
Limited Edition Alert!
Only 8,500 of these dino-coins exist, making them a true collector's item. Each coin weighs 1 oz. (31.66 g), measures 48 mm by 30.33 mm, and comes in a fancy black clamshell collector's box. The price? A cool $164.95. Orders are expected to ship around August 12th, so you'll need to act fast!
Why This Coin Rocks (Pun Intended)
Beyond the obvious coolness factor, this coin celebrates Canadian paleontological history. It's a tangible piece of our prehistoric past, brought to life with stunning artistry. Plus, the Royal Canadian Mint has been on a roll lately, releasing other unique designs like a gold coin with red coral, a holographic coin, and a glowing coin that captures the northern lights. They're clearly not afraid to get creative!
Final Thoughts: Get Yours Before They Go Extinct!
Whether you're a seasoned coin collector, a die-hard dinosaur enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a unique and colourful piece of Canadian history, the "Dinosaur Eye" coin is a must-have. Just imagine whipping this out at your next poker game! But hurry, with only 8,500 available, these coins are sure to disappear faster than a T-Rex chasing a jeep. Get yours before they go extinct!
