If you’re into prehistoric creatures or just like collecting odd-looking coins, the Royal Canadian Mint has released something seriously eye-catching, and a little strange.
Called “Dinosaur Eye” in English and “Regard sur les dinosaures” in French, the new $20 coin is shaped and coloured to resemble the eye of Thanatotheristes degrootorum, a species of tyrannosaur known as the “Reaper of Death.”
So, what’s the significance?
Well, fossils of the carnivore were discovered in Western Canada back in 2010, making it the first new tyrannosaur species found in the Great White North in 50 years.
As for the coin, it’s made of 99.99% pure silver, the convex, oval-shaped coin features a bulging, full-colour eye at the centre. Around it, finely engraved scales give the appearance of textured dinosaur skin. According to the Mint, the design imagines what the animal might have seen as it roamed the Cretaceous landscape in a scene filled with other dinosaurs and swampy Canadian forests.
The design was created by Canadian paleoartist Julius Csotonyi, who said his goal was to balance dynamic, vibrant imagery with scientific accuracy. The species depicted, Thanatotheristes, lived roughly 79.5 million years ago and is considered Canada’s oldest known tyrannosaur. It could grow up to 10 metres long and weigh as much as 2.5 tonnes.
The obverse of the coin features King Charles III, designed by Canadian artist Steven Rosati. The front of the coin is also curved, which adds to the three-dimensional effect of the eye.
The reverse includes engraved details that aim to replicate Thanatotheristes’s scaly skin and eye area.Royal Canadian Mint
Only 8,500 coins were produced. Each one weighs 1 oz. (31.66 g), measures 48 mm by 30.33 mm, and is packaged in a black clamshell collector’s box. The price is set at $164.95, and shipping is expected to begin on August 15.
You don’t need to be a paleontologist to get one, but it helps to have a soft spot for weird and limited-run Canadian collectibles.
You can purchase your own dino-coin on the Royal Canadian Mint’s website.
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