PTERANODON DINOSAUR FOSSIL BOXED SOCIETY OF MEDALISTS

Pteranodon

Late Cretaceous, North America

Not really a dinosaur, Pteranodon was a flying prehistoric reptile. With a wingspan of about 23 feet, it certainly must have been an impressive sight as it soared above rocky cliffs 70 to 115 million years ago. Many fossils of these flying reptiles have been found within the USA where, at the time they lived, was a vast inland sea. Paleonologists have speculated a lot about how the animal moved around on land, or even whether it did. Its skeletal structure does not seem well suited for walking, although various models show them on hind legs while others show them using wings in a kind of four-point stance. Some paleonologists have even suggested that they hung upside down in trees like bats do today.

This medallion was sculpted by Don Everhart as part of the Fossil Collection of the Society of Medalists. Don has been recognized for his artistry and leadership, and served as the President of the American Medallic Sculpture Association for the term 1992-1994. He began his artisitic careeer as an illustrator, then worked as a Sculptor-in-Residence at the Franklin Mint. In 1980 he established his own studio and he has been elected as a Sculptor Member of the prestigious National Sculpture Society.

The packaging for this medallion is reminiscent of the crates archeologists might use to ship fossils uncovered in the field. The pine box slides open to reveal the contents, and the outside is stamped "Dinosaur Fossils" and "Handle with Care".