Ogygopsis

Roughly 500 million years ago, early arthropods known as trilobites thrived in the ancient seas that covered our planet during the Cambrian Period. Today, their remains are the object of study and fascination—especially on the reverse of this splash-struck coin, where an old coin-minting technique and an antique finish set the mood for this exploration of Canada’s prehistoric past!

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. The rimless coin’s unusual contour is the result of an old coin-minting technique that allows the fine silver to “spill” out and form an irregular shape, much like an ancient Roman coin. Further bridging the past with the present, a combination ofcutting-edge technology and finishing techniques re-create the articulated dorsal exoskeleton of a young Ogygopsis klotzi—specifically, that of a presumed moult. The precision-engraved depiction of thesefossils has added shine next to the textured appearance of its “rock” encasement. A patina finish gives the entire design an ancient look and feel, which is enhanced by the use of a prehistoric-looking font on both the reverse and obverse.

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

ANCIENT CANADA - OGYGOPSIS - 2017 CANADIAN COINS 02 is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 08- ROYAL CANADIAN MINT / 02- FINE SILVER and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.