Obverse: The centre of the coin features the coat of arms of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, depicting a leopard's head, a spear and an elephant tusk. The ribbons of the coat of arms bear the national motto “JUSTICE”, “PAIX”, “TRAVAIL” (“Justice, Peace, Work”). The surrounding inscription reads “RÉPUBLIQUE DÉMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO”, while the lower section displays the denomination “20 FRANCS”, the weight and silver fineness “1 oz Ag 999.9”.
Reverse: The design depicts Dunkleosteus, a prehistoric marine predator, swimming through the ocean depths with its powerful jaws wide open. The detailed relief highlights its massive head and the front of its body, protected by bony plates. The reverse bears the inscriptions “PREHISTORIC LIFE”, “DUNKLEOSTEUS”, the period during which the animal lived, “380–360 MIO YEARS BC”, and the year of issue “2023”. The Devonian, Carboniferous and Permian geological periods are also marked along the coin's edge.
About the coin: The 2023 Congo 20 Francs “Dunkleosteus” silver coin belongs to the collectible “Prehistoric Life” series, dedicated to prehistoric animals and Earth's geological history.
Dunkleosteus was one of the most remarkable marine predators of the Devonian period, living approximately 380–360 million years ago. This extinct armoured fish had a massive head and a front section of its body protected by strong bony plates. Instead of conventional teeth, it possessed sharp bony blades used to seize and crush its prey.
Dunkleosteus was among the largest marine predators of its time. Its fossils have helped scientists better understand prehistoric ocean ecosystems and the evolution of early vertebrates.
Struck from .9999 fine silver, the coin weighs 1 troy ounce (31.1 g), measures 38.6 mm in diameter and is 3.2 mm thick. Its worldwide mintage is limited to 10,000 pieces. This release combines the fascinating world of prehistoric life with detailed numismatic artistry.
