If you’re going to kick off a new series of dinosaur coins, it’s a no-brainer to start with the beast of beasts. Tyrannosaurus Rex, the Cretaceous-era theropod killer, needs little introduction. Suffice to say, if you know the word dinosaur, you likely know what a T. Rex is, so here we are with the debut issue in Carpathian Mint’s latest range of cast silver coins.

This two-ounce coin does a great job of capturng the essence of T. Rex, and while it isn’t particularly anatomically correct, there’s no confusing what this is meant to be. The head looks good, and the whle thing has some excellent looking texture all over it. There’s even a wound on one leg, which is suprisingly on point, as despite their size and power, being a Cretaceous era predator was a hazardous experience. The antique finish suits it really well, helping to enhance that texture.

The coin comes in an acrylic display box, so keeping this on view in a cabinet, perhaps with a fossil collection, should be easy enough. It’s unusual, well realised, and a fun conversation starter on display. What’s not to like? Available to order now, it should ship in January, and has a mintage of 333 pieces.