2017 Ancient Canada: Ogygopsis Silver Coin

2017 $20 Ancient Canada: Ogygopsis Silver Coin

Royal Canadian Mint launched the second coin in Ancient Canada! Series, $20 Ogygopsis fine silver coin with antique finish features a depiction of the fossilized remains of an Ogygopsis, a trilobite that thrived in the ancient seas that covered our planet during the Cambrian Period roughly 500 million years ago. The coin is based on fossils curated at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology in Drumheller, Alberta, and has been reviewed for scientific accuracy by palaeontologists at the Museum.

The rimless coin’s unusual contour is the result of an old coin-minting technique that allows the fine silver to “spill” out and form an irregular shape, much like an ancient Roman coin. To enhance the detailed engraving of the fossil and its sandstone-like surroundings, a stunning patina finish has been applied to the coin. This gives the coin an antiqued appearance that reflects the series’ historical theme. Due to its irregular shape, the coin may be larger and flatter but will always have a minimum diameter of 38 mm! Each coin will vary, which makes each coin truly unique!

The specimen on the coin is a near life-sized depiction of a young individual, but adult Ogygopsis can measure up to 13 centimetres long. Like today’s lobsters and crabs, Ogygopsis underwent successive moults as it matured: shedding its existing exoskeleton, the soft-bodied arthropod would seek shelter until its new exoskeleton had grown in and hardened. Since the coin’s irregular shape won’t fit within a typical capsule, RCM taking the unprecedented step of packaging it in a ready-to-display floating frame! Measuring 80 mm x 80 mm x 34 mm, this framed presentation makes for one-of-a-kind wall art and a sure conversation piece. This one-ounce coin is priced at $134.95 CAD (GST/HST exempt) and has a limited mintage of 5,500 pieces. The coin shipped with the Certificate of Authenticity and a ready-to-display floating frame.