In a continuation of the successful Tales of the Earth series, the Natural History Museum has collaborated with The Royal Mint to launch a third collection, celebrating some of the Museum’s most iconic specimens from its dinosaur collection.
The first coin in the Iconic Specimens series is available to purchase from The Royal Mint’s website from today (14 December). It features Tyrannosaurus and pays tribute to the discovery of this legendary beast in 1900, with the jawbone of this incredible find still on display at the Museum today.
This marks the first time that Tyrannosaurus has been depicted on a UK fifty pence.
The three-part collection will also feature Stegosaurus and Diplodocus on their own coins, which will each become available to purchase in 2024. All three coins have been designed by British paleo-artist Robert Nicholls, with guidance from Professor Paul Barrett at the Natural History Museum.
“We are thrilled to continue our work with The Royal Mint on the Tales of the Earth series,” commented Maxine Lister, head of licensing at Natural History Museum. “Dinosaurs have long since sparked feelings of curiosity and awe, and it is brilliant to see three of the most iconic specimens – including a nod to the nation’s favourite dinosaur, Dippy – immortalised on a 50p coin. We hope that this collection will help all, young and old, to share in the wonder of our natural world.”
Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at The Royal Mint, continued: “We are excited to reveal the roar-some new collectable 50p coins by The Royal Mint, featuring some of the most legendary and mighty dinosaurs of all time – including Tyrannosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Diplodocus. For nearly 200 million years, dinosaurs roamed the Earth so it’s fitting that they are honoured forever on an official UK coin. Seeing these dinosaurs on a 50p coin we hope it will delight and inspire both current and budding palaeontologists for years to come.”
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