1995 China Silver 10 Yuan Dinosaur Stegosaurus PCGS PR68DCAM Proof Deep Cameo

1995 China Silver 10 Yuan Dinosaur Stegosaurus PCGS PR68DCAM Proof Deep Cameo

This eye-catching modern Chinese commemorative is the 1995 silver 10 Yuan “Stegosaurus” from the Dinosaur series, graded PCGS PR68 Deep Cameo (PR68DCAM). Struck in sterling silver as a non-circulating legal-tender proof, it combines dramatic prehistoric art with mirror-black fields and frosted relief.

Authenticity & specs

• Country / issuer: People’s Republic of China

• Year: 1995

• Denomination: 10 Yuan

• Series: Dinosaurs – Stegosaurus

• Catalog: KM# 792

• Metal: .925 silver

• Weight / ASW: 27 g, approx. 0.803 oz actual silver weight

• Diameter / edge: 38.6 mm, milled edge, medal alignment

• Type: Collector proof, non-circulating legal tender

• Mintage: about 5,000 pieces for the issue, making it a relatively low-mintage modern.

Certified and encapsulated by PCGS, the slab confirms the coin’s authenticity, specification, and high-end PR68DCAM grade.

Historical context – China’s dinosaur series

In 1995 the China Mint issued a three-coin Dinosaur proof set: a gold 50 Yuan Brontosaurus and two silver 10 Yuan pieces for Pterodactylus and Stegosaurus. The program highlighted China’s rich fossil record and the country’s growing expertise in modern commemorative coinage. Stegosaur remains from Sichuan and other Chinese localities made this iconic plated dinosaur a natural choice for the series.

Design & features

Reverse – Stegosaurus

• Central motif of a heavily plated Stegosaurus striding across a prehistoric landscape, with tail spikes and armor plates crisply frosted.

• Background details include palms and ferns, with a smaller dinosaur in mid-stride to suggest depth and scale.

• The face value “10 元” appears below; Chinese legends around the rim note the dinosaur’s age (roughly 140 million years) and discovery region.

• Deeply mirrored fields around the dinosaur create the strong black-and-white contrast that PCGS designates as Deep Cameo.

Obverse – Pagoda & date

• Shared with the companion Pterodactylus coin, this side shows a multi-tiered traditional pagoda framed by stylized clouds, mountains, and trees—an elegant symbol of Chinese culture.

• The inscription “中华人民共和国” (People’s Republic of China) arcs above; 1995 is placed at the bottom.

Remarkable denomination

Although denominated 10 Yuan, this piece was struck strictly as a collector proof, not for everyday circulation. Within the crowded field of 1990s Chinese silver, the dinosaur issues stand out for their scientific theme and low mintages, making them a distinctive complement to the better-known Panda series.

Collector’s value

This Stegosaurus 10 Yuan offers an appealing mix of popular dinosaur subject, substantial silver content, small mintage and third-party certification. The PR68DCAM grade provides strong eye appeal at a more accessible price point than top-pop pieces, while still showcasing the dramatic deep-cameo contrast collectors seek. It’s an ideal addition to modern China, prehistoric wildlife, or themed science and nature collections—and pairs perfectly with the matching 1995 Pterodactylus 10 Yuan.