Second coin collection shines a spotlight on the discoveries of fossil hunter, Mary Anning.
In a continuation of the Tales of the Earth series, the Natural History Museum has today (February 25) launched the first coin from its second collection with The Royal Mint, an ongoing collaboration of 50p coins that celebrates the fascinating stories of awe-inspiring creatures discovered here in Britain.
The new collection shines a spotlight on the discoveries of Mary Anning, a fossil hunter whose remarkable finds helped scientists to further their understanding of the mighty creatures that once ruled the seas and skies.
The first coin in the three-part collection features Temnodontosaurus, a huge marine predator and one of the largest types of ichthyosaur that inhabited our ancient oceans.
Coins featuring both Plesiosaurus and Dimorphodon will launch later in the year completing this collection commemorating the fossils unearthed by Mary along what is now known as the Jurassic Coast.
Based on current understanding and with the expert guidance of Sandra Chapman from the Earth Sciences Department of the Natural History Museum, the coin designs depict a scientifically accurate reconstruction of each species and the environment in which it lived.
“We are delighted to continue working with The Royal Mint team to bring yet another wonderful coin collection to life,” commented Maxine Lister, head of licensing, Natural History Museum. “We are so excited to be able to share the important story of Mary Anning in this way.”
Clare Maclennan, divisional director of commemorative coin at The Royal Mint, added: “We are thrilled to be working alongside the Natural History Museum again to launch a second coin collection celebrating Britain’s fossil hunter and palaeontologist Mary Anning.
“We celebrate Mary Anning’s legacy and remarkable scientific finds with three commemorative coins featuring the Temnodontosaurus, Plesiosaurus and the Dimorphodon.”
NHM and Royal Mint confirmed The Dinosauria Collection of coins earlier this month.
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