Top World Coins have just launched a new pair of designs, both of which are additions to ongoing series. This producer, loosely associated with Mint XXI, has built up a fine reputation in a short space of time with some very nice issues, especially the Tribal Spirit coin, and of course, dinosaurs.

The first new design is a subject everybody knows we have a huge soft spot for – dinosaurs. The first issue in this series was a neat Tyrannosaurus Rex coin, and for this second release, it’s an animal that popular culture would have us believe was its nemesis – Triceratops, the three-horned herbivore often depicted in combat with the apex predator.

Living from 68-66 m.y.a., Triceratops was a populous animal living in herds, growing to around 9 m in length, and weighing as much as ten tons. The distinctive trio of horns, which gives the animal its name, were often seen as defensive, but are now considered more as a show for the ladies. Whatever the case, this is a very distinctive beast, and one of the most famous dinosaurs of them all.

The coin offers a very well realised depiction of the not-so-wee beastie, and its environment. The fern-like trees, possibly lycopods, in the background are a superb touch, and the scene seems very natural, eschewing the usual nonsensical dramatic posing. The common obverse from the T. Rex coin returns. A great release, we’ve yet to learn if a coloured special edition will come at a later date.