STEGOSAURUS DINOSAUR FOSSIL SOCIETY OF MEDALISTS

Stegosaurus

Late Jurassic, North America

Among the most popular of the dinosaurs, Stegosaurus' image is firmly implanted in any child who ever contemplated dinosaurs in his or her youth. The most distinguishing feature of Stegosaurus is the double row of large triangularly-shaped plates down the back, ending with two pairs of long spikes on the tail. The purpose of these plates has been debated for years. Stegosaurus' unusually small head and braincase led many early paleontologists to assume that the dinosaurs were all lumbering and stupid creatures. This theory was later laid to rest with the discovery of some of the smaller carnivorous thecodonts such as Deinonychus, which had a much larger brain. In Stegosaurus' case, an enlargement of the spinal cord between the hips led many early scientists to surmise that this creature had, in fact, two brains! However, this enlargement was more likely a relay station for messages to and from the brain.

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".