Natura - Palaeontology - The rise of the Dinosaurs (1.)
1 Oz Silver - Uncirculated

• 1st Issue Natura Palaeontology Series
• Bullion Coin
• Mintage only 50,000 pieces
• Delivery in Blistercard

A new chapter in the Natura Series begins with the introduction of palaeontology, in recognition of South Africa’s significance to this field and study of plant and animal fossils. The first part of the palaeontology-themed coins is called The rise of the Dinosaurs. Archosaurs lived in Southern Africa over 200 million years ago and are regarded as the direct ancestors of the dinosaurs. 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. Depicted on the Silver coin is the Euparkeria capensis. The reptile lived approximately 235 million years ago during the Middle Triassic Period. It was first discovered at the beginning of the 20th century in South Africa. All South African coins from the “Archosauria” series share a common reverse 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 ‘MMXVIII’ complete the design. The silver bullion coin is delivered in an illustrated blistercard.