The massive, three-horned skull of the storied. Imagine the thrill of unearthing the bones of a prehistoric monster, a mysterious creature the likes of which the world had never before seen. This was the scene near Denver, Colorado in 1887, when the first Triceratops skull, with its long, forward facing horns and wide frill was discovered. (literally, “frightful three-horned face”) was a member of the ceratopsid family of horned dinosaurs, and is believed to represent the ultimate evolution of this line. There is much debate among paleontologists as to the function of its three horns and bony frill. Some argue that Triceratops might have aggressively charged would-be predators, much like a modern rhino. This speculation has led to the recurring theme in dinosaur-related fiction of the classic battle between Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex. Other paleobiologists believe Triceratops’ horns were best suited for group defense, in a circle-the-wagons formation. Most, however, agree that they played some role in courtship display. Triceratops was not a small beast. A mature adult could easily measure 30 feet long, reach 10 feet in height, and weigh over 13 tons (26,000 pounds)! The pair of horns over its eyes were each. About 3 feet long. Although they probably filled the same ecological niche as the rhinoceros. A more apt comparison, at least size-wise, might be to an M1 Abrams main battle tank! Triceratops were herbivores, but it is unknown whether they lived singly, in small family groups, or in larger herds. Interestingly, each Triceratops had between 400 and 800 teeth in its mouth, depending upon the size of the individual! These sturdy dinosaurs lived in the Late Cretaceous Period, at the very end of the age of dinosaurs, from about 68 million to 65 million years ago. Like all other dinosaurs, they went extinct about 65.5 million years ago in the great Cretaceous-Tertiary (or K-T) extinction event, in which an asteroid up to several miles in diameter collided with Earth near the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, releasing as much energy as the detonation of several million atomic bombs and creating a nuclear winter scenario. The series is anticipated to continue for four years as follows: 2007 – Duck-Billed Parasaurolophus. 2009 – Tyrannosaurus Rex. First to feature the Royal Canadian Mint’s new oxidized fossil technology (more on this below). Both these firsts, and the incredibly popular theme (dinosaurs), are all important considerations. Consider too that the dinosaur fossils series is minted in the purest silver. 9999 fine used anywhere for numismatic purposes. Also important is the mintage limit, which is low for any Canadian pure silver proof, much less one featuring a brand-new applied technology. Perhaps most importantly, these are all very affordable silver proofs, making them a great value. The dinosaur coins seem destined to sell out quickly, so get yours today – these will truly remain among your favorites for years to come! Oxidized Fossil Technology Note. The RCM leads the world with its proprietary technologies, in which the finish is actually sealed on the coin. The unique patination gives the fossil skeleton an aged appearance. Variations in tone and color are a direct and intentional result of this process, so no two coins will look exactly alike! The Royal Canadian Mint refines the purest silver in the world. The RCM is also the only mint in the world to issue commemorative coins in a. This one ounce silver proof is 99.99% pure! A depiction of a complete Triceratops fossilized skull, as discovered in Saskatchewan in 1967. This design has been approved by the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, and is highlighted in an unique patina by the Royal Canadian Mint’s proprietary oxidized fossil technology. The date of issue and denomination are both indicated. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of England, in profile facing right. This portrait, the fourth effigy of the queen to appear on Canadian Coinage, was executed by the artist Susanna Blunt. The legend ELIZABETH II D. REGINA (“Elizabeth II, Queen by the Grace of God”) also appears. The coin is encapsulated inside a burgundy leatherette, clamshell-style presentation case, lined with black velvet and protected by a black outer sleeve. An individually-numbered certificate of authenticity is included. Proof with Oxidized Finish. 9999 Fine (Pure) Silver. Talisman World Coins and Medals has been in business for more than 20 years and is one of the largest world coin direct distributors and wholesalers in the world. The item “Canada 2008 Dinosaur Fossil Triceratops $4 Pure Silver Proof w Fossil Technology” is in sale since Saturday, January 21, 2012. This item is in the category “Coins & Paper Money\Coins\ Canada\Commemorative”. The seller is “talismancoins” and is located in Saint Louis, Missouri. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Circulated/Uncirculated: Uncirculated
• Country of Manufacture: Canada