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DESCRIPTION:
The rise of the archosaurs and their evolution is a significant event in the history of life on land, since they not only led to the evolution of dinosaurs and birds, but also to the pterosaurs (flying reptiles) and crocodiles. Archosaurs are regarded as the direct ancestors of the dinosaurs and the fossil records from the Karoo Supergroup’s rocks hold the key to understanding their early evolutionary history.
Besides the Karoo, many discoveries have been made on the continent and in the country along the borders of KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Eastern Cape, Western Cape and the Northern Cape. These finds have helped fill in critical gaps in the evolution of dinosaurs and provide fresh information on how southern continents of Africa, South America and India separated.
All the coins share a common obverse which depicts the fossilised skull, neck and shoulder of an Erythrosuchus africanus. The words ‘Rise of the dinosaurs’, ‘Archosauria’ and the year 2019 as roman numerals ‘MMXIX’ complete the design.
Noted palaeontologist and zoologist Dr Francois Durand from the University of Johannesburg contributed to the design of the coins and it’s his dinosaur renderings that appear on all the coins in the series.
“Given the limited mintage, the Rise of the Dinosaurs is an exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime acquisition for Afrophiles and those who wish to travel some 200 million years back in time. The coins chronological timeline from the early Jurassic period to late Triassic periods gives the collection continuity and should pique the interest of avid collectors,” says Tsehlo in conclusion.Tumi Tsehlo, MD, South African Mint . Source SA Mint
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DETAILS:
Denomination: R25
2019 1 oz Brilliant Uncirculated Coin
Metal: Ag999 - Fine Silver
Diameter:38.725 mm
Weight: 31.106 grams
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