A New Way to Honor Mexico's Dinosaurs
Paleontology in Mexico is taking a step forward with the launch of a new medal collection by the Mint of Mexico. This collection highlights the history of six dinosaur species found in various regions of the country. Through this initiative, they aim to bring the public closer to scientific and cultural knowledge, fostering interest in numismatics, natural history, and the art of medal minting.
The collection, titled Dinosaurs of Mexico, was presented at the Museum of the Institute of Geology at UNAM during an event attended by paleontology experts and institution authorities. Marcial Luján Bravo, the general director of the Mint, emphasized that this project "pays tribute to years of exploration and scientific research on our soil." The collection includes medals with scientific representations of dinosaurs that roamed Mexico during the Late Cretaceous period. Each medal displays the name of the species, the geological period, and the state where it was found. The common obverse features the current political division of the landmass from that time, accompanied by a print of a herbivorous dinosaur's footprint. According to Astrid Juárez Tapia, the director of marketing, the aim of this collection is to "bring children and young people closer to history, art, and financial education through numismatics." The species featured in this collection originate from different states across the country, including Tototlmimus packardensis, Labocania anomala, Latirhinus uitstlani, Tlatolophus galorum, Coahuilaceratops magnacuerna, and Huehuecanauhtlus tiquichensis. Each species has been recreated based on fossils discovered in states such as Baja California, Sonora, Coahuila, and Michoacán. Felisa Aguilar Arellano, a researcher at INAH, mentioned that "this collection aims to break down the barriers between academic knowledge and its accessibility to the general public." Furthermore, Dr. Ángel Alejandro Ramírez Velasco, who advised on the project, stressed that "seeing Mexican dinosaurs on medals is a recognition of our paleontological heritage."
The Dinosaurs of Mexico collection will be available starting Monday, April 28, at both points of sale for the Mint of Mexico in Mexico City and San Luis Potosí, as well as at the Interactive Museum of Economics (MIDE). During the event, it was mentioned that the medals would be available for purchase at authorized points of sale, and there is an intention to expand the series if new species are documented. Each collector will be able to gather all the pieces, thus promoting interest in Mexico's natural heritage. The Mint announced that the collection will be available in a set of .999 silver medals and in two sets made from industrial materials. The set with industrial materials will cost 800 pesos, while the silver set will be valued at 4,200 pesos, according to official information. Each set will contain the six medals representing the dinosaur species found in Mexico.
It's fascinating to see how the Mint of Mexico uses numismatics not just as a medium of exchange, but also as an educational and cultural tool. Investing in collections like this can not only enrich personal knowledge but also present a long-term investment opportunity, as culturally significant pieces tend to appreciate over time. It’s a great example of how history and finance can creatively intertwine.
