Natural History Museum Launches Third Royal Mint Coin Collection

In a continuation of the Tales of the Earth series, the Natural History Museum has collaborated with The Royal Mint to launch a third collection, celebrating specimens from the Museum’s dinosaur collection.   

The first coin in the Iconic Specimens series is available to purchase from The Royal Mint’s website. It features Tyrannosaurus and pays tribute to the discovery of the beast in 1900, with the jawbone of the find still on display at the museum today.  

This three-coin collection will also feature Stegosaurus and Diplodocus, which will 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.   

The museum’s Stegosaurus specimen, called “Sophie,” is the world’s most complete Stegosaurus skeleton ever discovered. The Diplodocus coin has been inspired by the Museum’s Diplodocus cast, affectionately known as “Dippy,” the first Diplodocus to go on display anywhere in the world when it was gifted to the Museum in 1905. 

“We are thrilled to continue our work with The Royal Mint on the Tales of the Earth series,” says Maxine Lister, head of licensing, 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 favorite dinosaur, Dippy – immortalized on a 50p coin. We hope that this collection will help all, young and old, to share in the wonder of our natural world.”  

“We are excited to reveal the roar-some new collectible 50p coins by The Royal Mint, featuring some of the most legendary and mighty dinosaurs of all time – including Tyrannosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Diplodocus,” says Rebecca Morgan, director, commemorative coin, The Royal Mint. “For nearly 200 million years, dinosaurs roamed the Earth so it’s fitting that they are honored forever on an official U.K. coin. Seeing these dinosaurs on a 50p coin we hope it will delight and inspire both current and budding paleontologists for years to come.”