Description

Canada - " DINOSAUR ~ PREHISTORIC CREATURES ~ TIKTAALIK. " 25-Cent ~ Coloured Coin ! With its three predecessors sold out at speed, the chance to own Canada’s 4th Glow-in-the-Dark coin must be grasped with both hands Special Photo-Luminescent Paint Composition : Cupro-Nickel with Colour Diameter :35 mm Photoluminescent Dinosaur Coins Glow in the Dark Photoluminescence Technology This new dinosaur coin features a new and patented technology from the Royal Canadian Mint, a special finish selectively applied to the dinosaur image. The RCM leads the world with its proprietary technologies, in which the finish is actually sealed on the coin. This Photoluminescent technology makes the dinosaur fossil glow in the dark! The effect can be seen through the capsule and will not wear out. Sunlight is best, but fluorescent and incandescent lights (as found in most households) can also be used to activate the special photo-luminescent substance which makes the bones of the dinosaur glow ! For best effect, expose the coin to one of these light sources for about a minute, then view in the dark to reveal the dino's skeleton. The Bizarrely Transitional Tiktaalik Tiktaalik is a monospecific genus of extinct sarcopterygian (lobe-finned fish) from the late Devonian period, with many features akin to those of tetrapods (four-legged animals). It is an example of ancient sarcopterygian fish developing adaptations to the oxygen-poor shallow-water habitats of its time, which led to the evolution of tetrapods. Well-preserved fossils were found in 2004 on Ellesmere Island in Nunavut , Canada . This monster, which is not a true dinosaur, resembles the extent alligator gars and crocodilians. Tiktaalik provides insights on the features of the extinct closest relatives of the tetrapods. Unlike many previous, more fish-like transitional fossils, the "fins" of Tiktaalik have basic wrist bones and simple rays reminiscent of fingers. In 2004, three fossilized Tiktaalik skeletons were discovered in rock formed from late Devonian river sediments on Ellesmere Island , Nunavut , in northern Canada . The remarkable find was made by a paleontologist who noticed the skull sticking out of a cliff. On further inspection, the ancient animal was found to be in excellent condition for a 383-million-year-old specimen. It was quickly recognized as a classic example of a transitional form. Jennifer A. Clack, a Cambridge University expert on tetrapod evolution, said of Tiktaalik, "It's one of those things you can point to and say, 'I told you this would exist,' and there it is." Tiktaalik generally had the characteristics of a lobe-finned fish, but with front fins featuring arm-like skeletal structures more akin to a crocodile, including a shoulder, elbow, and wrist. It had rows of sharp teeth of a predator fish, and its neck could move independently of its body, which is not common in other fish. The animal had a flat skull resembling a crocodile's; eyes on top of its head, suggesting that it spent a lot of time looking up; a neck and ribs similar to those of tetrapods, with the ribs being used to support its body and aid in breathing via lungs; well developed jaws suitable for catching prey; and a small gill slit called a spiracle that, in more derived animals, became an ear. The Tiktaalik Photoluminescent Crown-Size Color Quarter is the fourth entry in the extremely popular Glow-In-The-Dark, Pre-Historic Creature Series. Technology Note This Photoluminescent Crown-Size Color Quarter features the Royal Canadian Mint’s patented colorization technology. The RCM leads the world with its proprietary colorization technology, in which the color is actually sealed on the coin. The intricate detail, smooth gradients, and extreme precision of the technology create a stunning, full-color portrait on each coin. The Specimen Finish This coin features the uniquely-Canadian "specimen" finish, a three-fold combination of different finishes. The design (raised area or relief) includes both frosted and mirrored surfaces, while the fields (background) are subtly striated, resulting in a contrasting, matte appearance. No other mint in the world employs the specimen finish. Obverse By day, a full color depiction of the dinosaur-like Tiktaalik. In the dark, a photoluminescent depiction of its skeleton. This design has been approved by the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, and is highlighted in an unique patina by the Royal Canadian Mint's proprietary colour and glow-in-the-dark technologies. The date of issue and denomination are both indicated. Reverse Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth ll, in profile facing right. This portrait, the fourth effigy of the queen to appear on Canadian Coinage, was executed by the artist Susanna Blunt. The legend ELIZABETH II D. G. REGINA ("Elizabeth II, Queen by the Grace of God") also appears. Packaging The coin is encapsulated inside a burgundy leatherette, clamshell-style presentation case, lined with black velvet and protected by a custom, full-color outer sleeve with glow in the dark elements! An individually-numbered certificate of authenticity is included. Country: Canada Year: 2014 Face value: 25 Cents Metal: Cupronickel Finish: Specimen Diameter (mm): 35 Quality: BU - Brilliant Uncirculated Mintage (pcs): 30,000 Certificate COA: Yes Box: Yes (ISMF13).