2010 1/2oz $4 DINOSAUR COLLECTION - DROMAEOSAURUS (4TH 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.

Dromaeosaurus (meaning "running lizard") was one of two raptor, (dromaeosaurid) species that lived in Alberta between 74 and 76 million years ago. This group of dinosaurs is closely related to birds. They were agile with a light body and a long tail that maintained their balance as they ran upright on their two hind legs.

Measuring about 2.5 m (8.25 ft) from head to tail, Dromaeosaurus would normally weigh less than 20 kg (44 lb). With clawed hands on its fore limbs and sharp, recurved teeth, it was perfectly equipped for slicing into its prey.

Specifications:
Item number: 623420
Face Value: 4 dollar
Mintage: 20,000
Composition: 99.99% silver
Weight (g): 15.87
Diameter (mm): 34.0
Edge: Serrated
Finish: Proof

Special Features:
Last in a four coin series featuring dinosaur fossils following 2007 Parasaurolophus , 2008 Triceratops and 2009 Tyrannosaurus rex.

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:
Each coin is encapsulated and presented in a maroon clamshell case lined with flock and protected by a black sleeve.