2015 Australian Age of Dinosaurs - Diamantinasaurus 1oz Silver Proof Coin
Description
The Diamantinasaurus is the second coin is this exciting new five-coin series featuring Australian dinosaurs that existed in the Cretaceous Period between 112 and 102 million years ago.
The Diamantinasaurus is a class of Titanosauria Sauropoda believed to have existed in the early-Cretaceous to late-Albian period between 98 and 100 million years ago. It has been identified from partial fossil remains described by Australian palaeontologist Scott Hocknull and colleagues, in 2009.
The fossil discoveries were found at an ancient billabong near Winton, Queensland. Scientists have monikered the dinosaur "Matilda", after ‘Waltzing Matilda’ the poem by famous Australian poet, Andrew Barton “Banjo” Paterson – the scientific name Diamantiansaurus meaning Diamantina River lizard.
The skeleton of ‘Matilda’ is one of the most robust dinosaur skeletons ever to have been found in the world. The massive size of Matilda is reflected in the limbs and pelvic girdle. This has informed the reconstruction of Matilda as a wide-hipped and bow-legged dinosaur with a rotund appearance.
The coin’s reverse depicts an Australian Diamantinasaurus dinosaur set against a colourful, prehistoric forest scene
This coin is housed in The Perth Mint’s grey presentation case with a wonderfully illustrated shipper, and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.