Monday, June 2, 2014

Thylacoleo 2014 1oz Silver Proof Coin

Perth Mint has released the fourth coins on the new Australian Megafauna coin series; Thylacoleo 2014 1oz Silver Proof Coin. The 99.9% proof silver coin design by Paleo-Artist Peter Trusler and an Australian legal tender coin. No more than 6,500 of the Australian Megafauna – Thylacoleo 2014 1oz Silver Proof Coin will be released by The Perth Mint.

Thylacoleo

The coin reverse show a design by Australian paleo-artist Peter Trusler of a Thylacoleo and its young set against a coloured background. The inscription THYLACOLEO and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark are also incorporated into the design. The coin obverse show Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2014 year-date and the monetary denomination.

The term megafauna (mega meaning 'very large' - fauna meaning 'animals') describes a range of super-sized vertebrates - animals with backbones - that emerged after the dinosaurs. Favoured by conditions at that time, they were able to grow much larger than is common today. Many megafauna species became extinct during the Pleistocene, an epoch that lasted until around 12,000 years ago.

Thylacoleo carnifex is the fabled marsupial lion, which was the largest known marsupial carnivore. The animal was powerfully built, with strong jaws and very strong forelimbs. The species possessed sharp claws, well suited to securing prey and for climbing trees. The first digits (thumbs) on each hand were semi-opposable and bore an enlarged claw. The Thylacoleo also had massive shearing teeth, a unique trait among marsupials.

Previous releases: Procoptodon, Diprotodon, Genyoris

Forthcoming release: Megalania

Technical Specifications:
Silver Content (Troy oz): 1
Monetary Denomination (AUD): 1
Fineness (% purity): 99.9
Minimum Gross Weight (g): 31.135
Maximum Diameter (mm): 40.60
Maximum Thickness (mm): 4.00
Maximum Mintage: 6,500
Designer: Peter Trusler

Each coin is housed in a stylish case and wonderfully themed shipper including information about the Thylacoleo. Each coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

You can order your Australian Megafauna coin series; Thylacoleo 2014 1oz Silver Proof Coin via Perth Mint website www.perthmint.com.au.