Gorgosaurus

A faster relative of Tyrannosaurus rex, the carnivorous Gorgosaurus is well represented among the tyrannosaurid fossils of Alberta’s Dinosaur Provincial Park. Our Ancient Canada series of antiqued, splash-struck coins continues its exploration of Canada’s prehistoric past with an illustrated rendering of the most complete Gorgosaurus skeleton ever recovered.

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.

This coin is the third issue of the Ancient Canada series.

ANCIENT CANADA - GORGOSAURUS - 2018 CANADIAN COINS 03 is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 08- ROYAL CANADIAN MINT / 02- FINE SILVER and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.