2023 Chad 5,000 Francs - Ammonite Fossil Excavation - 1oz Silver w/ Copper
- Country: Republic of Chad
- Period: Republic (1960-Date)
- Type: Non-Circulating Coin
- Years: 2023
- Mint: Precious Metal Collectors - Singapore
- Denomination: 5,000 CFA
- Currency: CFA franc (Bank of Central African States, 1973-date)
- Composition: .999 Silver w/ Copper (1oz Silver; 11.5oz Copper)
- Diameter: 80mm
- Weight: 388g
- Edge: Smooth
- Mintage: 688
- Condition: New - Mint Packaging
- Obverse: Features the Coat of Arms of TChad and the inscriptions: "REPUBLIQUE DU TCHAD" – the country of issue, "2023" – the year of issue, "5000 FRANCS CFA" – the face value inside of an excavation site
- Reverse: Depicts various excavation tools at the site, this are is covered in resin giving the coin a unique hue. An opalized iridescent Ammonite fossil is the centerpiece.
Introducing the 2023 Chad 5,000 Francs - Ammonite Fossil Excavation coin, a numismatic masterpiece that harmoniously intertwines the ancient mystery of iridescent Ammonite fossils with the innovative brilliance of modern minting techniques, presented in 1oz Silver with Copper.
Ammonite Fossils, remnants of the ancient marine creatures that thrived during the Mesozoic Era, particularly through the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, are celebrated for their captivating iridescent sheen. This sheen, a result of the preservation of the original shell material composed of aragonite mineral, reflects light in a spectrum of colors, creating a mesmerizing visual display. Ammonites were pivotal inhabitants of ancient seas, contributing significantly to the marine ecosystem as both predators and prey. The excavation of these fossils demands the meticulous expertise of a skilled paleontologist, often revealing themselves within sedimentary rock formations.
These iridescent fossils are not only a window into the ancient marine ecosystems and the creatures that dwelled within but also serve as crucial links to the evolutionary history of cephalopods and the geological history of Earth. Beyond their scientific relevance, they are esteemed for their aesthetic and decorative appeal, transforming into unique decorative pieces that are fervently sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
The coin employs a novel minting technique known as “Bi-Metal Reverse”, achieving a remarkable weight and an expansive 80mm diameter size – nearly tripling the size of a standard 1 oz collectible. It ingeniously combines 1 oz of silver as a base, adorned with antiqued silver, and is crowned with a top layer of 11.5 oz of copper in an antiqued finish. The coin features a concave design, filled with translucent enamel, cradling the iridescent Ammonite fossil, and meticulously brings every detail of the excavation site to life with utmost precision.
Limited to a mere 688 pieces, each coin may feature variations in the size of the fossil, ensuring that each piece is uniquely its own. Every coin is packaged and delivered with a Certificate, verifying its edition number and affirming its status as a rare and valuable collector’s item, seamlessly blending the ancient and the modern into a tangible piece of history and art.
*Coin condition is based on our professional opinion. Pictures are representative of the coin that you will receive, actual coin may differ slightly, and serial numbers may vary*