2008 1/2oz $4 DINOSAUR COLLECTION - TRICERATOPS (2ND COIN IN SERIES)

It is a discovery that sends hearts pounding and opens a window to the mystifying world of dinosaurs. Their fossilized bones testify to the massive beasts that once ruled the earth but disappeared suddenly 65 million years ago. During the time of these great beasts, a great inland sea covered much of western Canada and the area now known as Alberta and Saskatchewan was a lush subtropical shore and home to over 35 dinosaur species. As these animals died, the evolving landscape covered their bones with centuries of mud and sand only to be revealed when the glaciers from the last Ice Age scraped away the top layers of rock and exposed bits of fossilized bone.

Discovered by paleontologists in the late 1800's, they inspired generations of dinosaur hunters and established Canada as one of the richest sources of Late Cretaceous fossils on earth. Triceratops was one of 14 horned (ceratopsian) species that flourished throughout Alberta between 65 and 72 million years ago. Triceratops (meaning "three-horned face") is easily identified by the three menacing horns on its face which combine with the large frill over its neck to intimidate wouldbe attackers.

These dinosaurs were solidly built, weighing as much as 6,000 kg (13,200 lb) and measuring up to 9 m (30 ft) long.

Specifications:
Face Value: 4 dollar
Mintage: 20,000
Composition: 99.99% silver
Weight (g): 15.87
Diameter (mm): 34.0
Edge: Serrated
Finish: Proof
Certificate: Serialized

Special Features:
This coin shows a complete Triceratops skull, a rare discovery that was made in Saskatchewan in 1967. Second coin in a series featuring dinosaur fossils following 2007 Parasaurolophus. Other coins to be issued include 2009 Tyrannosaurus rex and 2010 Dromaeosaurus. A selective finish has been applied to the reverse of the coin to give its design an aged appearance. Variations in tone and colour are a direct result of this process. No two coins will be alike. Designs approved by the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology.

Packaging:
Coin encapsulated and presented in a maroon clamshell case lined with flock and protected by a black sleeve.