2014 Australian Megafauna - Thylacoleo 1oz Silver Proof Coin

This remarkable series goes back in Australia’s history to discover the larger-than-life animals that once roamed our land, with the fourth release depicting the Thylacoleo.

This incredible creature was the largest marsupial carnivore of its time. The animal was powerfully built, with strong jaws and very strong forelimbs. The species possessed sharp claws, well suited to securing prey and for climbing trees. The first digits (thumbs) on each hand were semi-opposable and bore an enlarged claw. Thylacoleo also had massive shearing teeth, a unique trait among marsupials.

The earliest published reference to the Thylacoleo was in 1838. Numerous fossil discoveries indicate that the marsupial lion was distributed across much of the Australian continent, and therefore would have co-existed with other megafauna.

This coin is housed in The Perth Mint’s grey presentation case with a themed shipper, and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.