1995 China Silver 10 Yuan Dinosaur Stegosaurus PCGS PR69DCAM Proof Deep Cameo Coin

1995 China Silver 10 Yuan Dinosaur Stegosaurus PCGS PR69DCAM Proof Deep Cameo Coin

This impressive modern Chinese commemorative is the 1995 silver 10 Yuan “Stegosaurus” from the Dinosaurs series, certified PCGS PR69 Deep Cameo (PR69DCAM). Struck in sterling silver for collectors, it pairs a richly detailed Jurassic scene with mirror-black proof fields and heavy frost.

Authenticity & specifications

• Country / issuer: People’s Republic of China

• Year: 1995

• Denomination: 10 Yuan

• Series: Dinosaurs – Stegosaurus type

• Catalog: KM# 792 (previously Y#470)

• Metal: .925 fine silver

• Weight: 27 g; ASW ~0.803 oz

• Diameter: ~38.6 mm; reeded edge; medal alignment

• Mintage: about 5,000 proofs for collectors only

• Finish: Proof, Deep Cameo

• Certification: Slabbed by PCGS as PR69DCAM, one point from perfection, with full deep-cameo contrast noted on the label.

Historical significance – China’s dinosaur proof series

The mid-1990s saw the People’s Republic of China experiment with thematic silver proofs beyond the well-known Panda series. The 1995 Dinosaurs set (gold Brontosaurus 50 Yuan plus two silver 10 Yuan coins for Pterodactylus and Stegosaurus) showcased China’s rich fossil record and growing scientific prestige.

China’s southwest—especially Sichuan—has produced numerous stegosaur fossils, inspiring the choice of Stegosaurus as one of the featured species. With a low proof mintage and sold mainly to the emerging international modern-Chinese market, these dinosaur coins have since become key pieces for collectors of science-themed world silver.

Design & artistry

Dinosaur / value side

• Central motif is a powerfully modelled Stegosaurus, shown in side profile as it walks across a prehistoric floodplain, plates and tail spikes crisply frosted against the dark fields.

• Around it are clumps of low vegetation and ferns, emphasizing the herbivorous nature of this Jurassic giant.

• In the upper background, palm trees and a smaller dinosaur silhouette complete the ancient landscape, giving a sense of depth and time.

• The face value “10 元” appears below the Stegosaurus, balancing the composition.

• Chinese inscriptions around the rim identify the dinosaur and note that it lived roughly 140 million years ago and was discovered in present-day Sichuan Province.

The high-relief frosted Stegosaurus against jet-black mirrors is exactly what PCGS recognizes with the Deep Cameo designation—the dinosaur almost seems to walk out of the coin when tilted in light.

National emblem / date side

• Shared with the companion Pterodactylus coin, this side displays a stately multi-story pagoda with surrounding trees, stylized clouds and distant mountains.

• The inscription “中华人民共和国” (People’s Republic of China) arcs above; the date 1995 sits below the pagoda.

• Clean proof fields and sharp architectural detail give a classic, dignified counterpart to the lively dinosaur reverse.

Remarkable denomination & type

Though denominated 10 Yuan, this is a non-circulating legal-tender proof produced specifically for collectors and sold in small numbers, often as part of the three-coin dinosaur set. Within the landscape of 1990s Chinese commemoratives, the dinosaur series stands out for its unusual theme—bridging numismatics and paleontology in a way few other issues do.

Collector’s value

For modern-Chinese enthusiasts, the 1995 Stegosaurus is a cornerstone coin: low mintage, popular dinosaur subject, substantial silver content and a nearly flawless PR69DCAM grade from PCGS. It pairs perfectly with the matching Pterodactylus 10 Yuan, but also works on its own as a star attraction in dinosaur, wildlife, science, or world-silver collections. The dramatic deep-cameo proof surfaces and bold Jurassic design make it a guaranteed eye-catcher in any slab box or display case.