Description

Metal Silver

Purity 0.9999 (99.99%)

Weight 1 Troy Ounce (31,1 g)

Diameter 38.6 mm

Attributes Brilliant Uncirculated, Colorized

Mintage 2000

Packaging Capsule

Following the tremendous success of the first “Prehistoric Life” series from the Congo, which delighted collectors around the world from 2020 to 2023, the sequel, “Prehistoric Life II,” was eagerly awaited in 2024. This fascinating series, running over four years, brings three impressive subjects to light each year.

The third motif in this follow-up series honors the mighty Utahraptor, one of the most fearsome dinosaurs of the Cretaceous period. The 1-ounce silver coin features a detailed, lifelike depiction of this prehistoric hunter in its natural habitat on its obverse. Above the dinosaur are the name “UTAHRAPTOR,” the date “131-126 million years BC,” and the year of minting, “2024.” A circumferential timeline depicts the Mesozoic Era and its periods (Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous), along with the corresponding years.

The reverse of the bullion coin features the coat of arms of the Republic of Congo, depicting a leopard’s head, an elephant’s tusk, and a spear. The national motto “Justice, Paix, Travail” (Justice, Peace, Work) is integrated into the coat of arms. The denomination and the fineness are also indicated. The reverse motif is framed by the inscription “REPUBLIQUE DEMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO” and the face value of 20 francs.

Utahraptor, the largest of the dromaeosaurids, towered over its smaller relatives like Velociraptor, reaching up to seven meters in length and weighing around 500 kilograms. Its sickle-shaped claw, nearly 24 centimeters long, served as a deadly weapon for weakening and killing its prey. It is thought that this powerful predator may have hunted in packs, making it even more dangerous. The idea of a coordinated attack by these predators gives an idea of the threat they posed to the fauna of that time.

Another fascinating aspect of Utahraptor is the suggestion that, like its feathered relatives, it was covered in feathers. These feathers would have served not only as thermal protection, but also as ornamentation during courtship or to intimidate enemies and competitors.