Mongolia - Pterosaur 500 Togrog 2018

Following Ammonite, Trilobite, and Ichthyosaur, Pterosaur is the fourth coin to be issued as part of the “Evolution of Life” series. Coins struck since 2018 are Diplocaulus (2020) & Sinraptor (2019). Just like the previous pieces, this coin was struck in a special procedure which results in the reverse of the silver coin appearing stone-like. The fossil struck in high relief by applying Smartminting technology is further accentuated by its rose gilding. To apply rose gilding as delicately as the pterosaur’s fine skeleton requires it, the best possible artisanal skills are needed. Each NCLT silver 1 oz. coin in this series has a limited strike of 999 pieces.
Every coin of this series was sold out shortly after it was issued. Small gold coins were also issued without the Smartminting technology and in much higher quantities and therefore much more available.
Mongolia is famous for its rich fossil record including dramatic species such as Velociraptor, known from the Jurassic Park movies. The Evolution of Life series pays tribute to past eras by portraying extinct prehistoric creatures in luxurious rose-gilded Smartminting relief on an antique finish rock matrix background.
In 2018, Evolution of Life takes from the sea to the skies with Pterosauria. The Mongolian coin portrays the native Noripterus parvus, that roamed Mongolian skies 140 million years ago with a wingspan of over four meters. Their fossils were first described from Central Mongolia in 1982. Pterosauria represents the most detailed and finely gilded coin in the series to date. Even remnants of the delicate wing membranes are hinted at in the rock matrix. Pterosaurs were one of three groups of vertebrates that evolved powered flight alongside birds and bats.
Obverse: Emblem of the Bank of Mongolia; denomination. Inscription with traditional Mongolian alphabet. Lettering: Монгол Банк ᠮᠤᠩᠭᠤᠯ ᠤᠯᠤᠰ; 500 ТӨГРӨГ; MONGOLIA 1oz .9999 SILVER. Translation: The Bank of Mongolia, Monggol Ulus (Mongolia) 500 Tögrög
Reverse: Lettering: PTEROSAURIA, CRETACEOUS PERIOD, EVOLUTION of Life, 2018