Gold Coin Prehistoric Life II: Velociraptor 2026, 0.5 grams

A limited edition of 2,000 copies.

The Velociraptor was a small but extremely agile and fast predator that lived around 75–71 million years ago, at the very end of the Cretaceous period. It was approximately 2 meters long and weighed only a dozen or so kilograms, so in reality it was much smaller than its movie images suggest. Its hallmark was a large, curved claw on its hind limb – a precise tool for striking and immobilizing its prey. More and more research indicates that the velociraptor's body was covered with feathers, which brings it closer evolutionarily to modern birds. The structure of its skull indicates well-developed senses and high intelligence for a dinosaur, making it an effective and calculating hunter. Although it has become a cinema icon, its actual appearance differed from the spectacular but simplified visions known from the screen.

The reverse of the gold coin depicts a dynamic moment of hunting – a velociraptor captured in tension as it attacks a small, mouse-like creature. The composition emphasizes the animal's energy and predatory nature: the exposed, raised sickle-shaped claw and the slender, leaning silhouette capture the moment just before the prey is caught. The background features the date of issue and information about the period in which the velociraptor lived, giving the design educational and historical value. Carefully crafted details create an impression of movement and depth, making the reverse attractive to both collectors and paleontology enthusiasts. The obverse of the coin is decorated with the national coat of arms of the Republic of Congo, for which the issue is legal tender. The centrally placed symbol emphasizes the importance and authenticity of the coin, combining prehistoric themes with numismatic tradition and the sovereignty of the issuing country.