2017 Mongolia 1/2 Gram Gold Evolution Ichthyosaur Proof

The eerie beauty of an ancient dinosaur captured in the timelessness of gold

Many commemorative gold coins capture relatively recent history, but the 2017 Mongolia Gold Ichthyosaur Proof coin reaches back nearly 200 million years ago for its inspiration, with a coin that celebrates a dolphin-like marine reptile that lived during the Early Jurassic Period. The fossils of this ancient creature, discovered during the early 19th century by Henry De la Beche and William Conybeare, reveal a reptile with a streamlined body, a small sail-fin on its back and remarkably well-designed flippers. These features likely allowed the ichthyosaurus to swim at close to 21 miles per hour--about the speed of a modern dolphin today.

While the ichthyosaurus was destined to be outhunted and even preyed upon by later marine animals who were larger and even better suited to swimming at high speeds, it still served as a valuable link in the evolutionary chain. Now the 2017 Mongolia Gold Ichthyosaur Proof coin preserves its memory yet further, in an affordable, beautifully crafted coin available at GovMint.com.

A practical coin recalling an ancient species

The 2017 Mongolia Gold Ichthyosaur Proof coin is an ideal start to any gold collection, struck in 99.99% pure gold. Weighing .5 grams, it is 11 mm in diameter.

• THE NEWEST COIN IN THE EVOLUTION OF LIFE SERIES-- The Evolution of Life series is a unique and exceptionally well-executed series celebrating our world’s prehistoric beginnings, and the 2017 Mongolia Gold Ichthyosaur Proof coin carries on the tradition well. The reverse of the coin features the Ichthyosaurus fossil, named in 1821, where the head and a large fin are visible. Beneath the fossil is inscribed "ICHTHYOSAURIA" as well as the words "2017 EVOLUTION" along with a curved shell. The obverse of the coin depicts the Mongolian coat of arms, beneath which are the inscriptions "1000 torpor," "MONGOLIA," "0.5 GR," and ".9999 GOLD."
• LOW MINTAGE-- Gold remains popular worldwide, and this coin combines both accessibility and rarity with a relatively low mintage of only 15,000 pieces.
• PROOF CONDITION COINS-- Each 2017 Mongolia Gold Ichthyosaur Proof is certified in Proof condition, which refers to how they are manufactured, more so than a grade. Proof coins are struck using specially polished dies, which may be sandblasted or treated with chemicals, to give them a distinctive appearance with brilliant surfaces and finely frosted devices. The coins may also be struck more than once or with significant pressure to achieve this effect. Your coin will be delivered to you directly from GovMint.com in this pristine condition, with a Certificate of Authenticity and housed in a vinyl flip case.
• GENUINE LEGAL TENDER -- The 2017 Mongolia Gold Ichthyosaur Proof is certified as genuine legal tender of 1000 Torpor.

Whether you are an avid collector of gold, or are looking to help start a new collection for a young relative fascinated by dinosaurs, the 2017 Mongolia Gold Ichthyosaur Proof is a well-priced addition to any collection…and it’s available now from GovMint.com.