I’ve always loved dinosaurs. As a child I’d be glued to the TV watching The Land Before Time and Jurassic Park, and I lost count of the number of family outings to the Jurassic Coast just so I could comb the beaches looking for fossils – I found a few ammonites, but alas no dinosaur bones!
The fact that their time on Earth remains mostly a mystery has fuelled our fascination with them for years. So, I’m sure many collectors shared my excitement when The Royal Mint announced a new UK 50p coin series dedicated to the celebration of dinosaurs. And if you’re a dinosaur enthusiast like me, I’m sure you’ll appreciate the special design details of these coins, that pay tribute to the British discoveries at every possible turn…
What you may not know is that whilst fossils have been found on every continent on Earth, the study of dinosaurs actually started right here in the UK. In fact, over 50 to 60 species have been discovered beneath out feet.
The term ‘dinosaur’ that we use today comes from the term ‘Dinosauria’, which was coined by British Anatomist Richard Owen in a paper published in 1842. Owen was the first to realise that the remains of three creatures found in various locations within the UK shared common characteristics.
To celebrate Owen’s ground-breaking conclusion, the first three creatures that led him to his discovery have been featured on a UK 50p. Issued in collaboration with the Natural History Museum each one has been expertly brought-back to life by palaeo-artist Robert Nicholls.
Megalosaurus comes from the Greek for ‘great lizard’, and at seven to eight metres long it certainly lives up to its name! In terms of its appearance it can be compared to a T-Rex and comes from the same family of large carnivorous dinosaurs that can walk on two legs.
The Megalosaurus is the first dinosaur to ever be officially named in scientific literature. It’s thought that the earliest evidence of a Megalosaurus was found as early as the 17th century, but it wasn’t until years after it was first discovered that it was termed a dinosaur.
It was in 1824 that palaeontologist William Buckland produced the first scientific description of a Megalosaurus, based on fragments of jaw and bone found in Oxfordshire. This is the first non-aviation dinosaur to be formally named.
You’ll notice on the 50p coin that the Megalosaurus is framed by a jaw fragment, as a nod to the fossil that gave Buckland his breakthrough. Likewise, Buckland is featured, as is the year of the discovery, 1824.
It was in 1822 that Mary Mantell spied a large tooth at the side of the road in Sussex, and upon pulling over realised it belonged to an unknown creature. Her husband, Geologist Dr Gideon Mantell, noticed that the tooth was similar to that of an iguana, and later in 1825 came to call it an Iguanodon. This was the second dinosaur species to receive its name.
It wasn’t until several years later in 1834, when an explosion in Maidstone revealed fragments of an ancient skeleton that Mantell could conceptualise what an Iguanodon may have looked like.
As well as distinctive iguana-like teeth, other distinctive features of an Iguanodon include its large thumb spikes, which were possibly used for defence against predators, combined with long fifth fingers capable of grasping, allowing them to forage for food. The creatures belong to the dinosaur family of medium-sized herbivores that usually walked on two legs.
You’ll see that the 50p design credits Mantell with the discovery in 1825, and also depicts the tooth that originally sparked the naming of the creature as an Iguanodon.
And last, but no means least is the Hylaeosaurus, the third dinosaur to be officially discovered and scientifically named.
Out of the three first dinosaurs to be discovered, it is the Hylaeosaurus’ anatomy that we know the least about as little remains have been uncovered. It is thought that the Hylaeosaurus was a herbivorous, armoured creature, around five meters long with spikes along its back. Its name means ‘woodland lizard’ and is in the same family as the Stegosaurus.
It was again Dr Gideon Mantell who can be credited with the discovery of the Hylaeosaurus. The first remains of the creature were found in Sussex in 1832, and astonished Mantell because the discovery was the most complete non-aviation dinosaur skeleton known at the time. The discovery included several spikes and armour plates, for which this dinosaur is now known. But it wasn’t until 1833 that Mantell published his findings, and the creature was officially named Hylaeosaurus.
The design of the 50p again incorporates important details about the discovery of the Hylaeosaurus. You’ll see Mantell is noted alongside the year of discovery, 1833, and the initial spikes that were discovered as part of the first skeleton.
If you’re interested…
The Dinosaur 50p series has proven tremendously popular with collectors, not least because this is the first time dinosaurs have ever featured on UK coinage. That said, it’s been the Coloured Silver Proof 50ps that have stolen the show.
We’re lucky to be able to offer a select number of collectors the chance to secure the Complete Silver Dinosaur 50p Collection today. Importantly, we’ve seen precious metal sell-outs across the range, so this is likely to be your only opportunity to secure ALL THREE Dinosaur 50ps in superior Silver Proof quality. Click here to find out more >>
The wait is finally over and it is with great excitement that we can reveal our brand new Rupert Bear British Isles 50p coin range with you all!
For the FIRST TIME EVER Rupert Bear will feature on a brand new 50p coin. But that’s not all, as four more 50p coins featuring some of the best-loved characters from the comic strip have also been released.
Rupert Bear was created by Mary Tourtel as a cartoon for the Daily Express newspaper and his adventures continue up to this day, celebrating his 100th anniversary in 2020.
Whether you’re looking for the new centrepiece for your collection, you’re an avid 50p collector, a Rupert Bear fan or looking for the perfect gift for a loved one, there’s bound to be something within the range for you.
Find out more about each of the wonderful Rupert Bear 50p coins we have available below….
The Official Rupert Bear 50p Coin
This is the perfect piece for those new to collecting or if you’re looking for the first coin to start your collection. The 50p has been struck to a Brilliant Uncirculated quality – a superior finish sought-after by collectors – and features a stunning illustration design of Rupert Bear by Matt Tindall.
The COMPLETE Rupert Bear Brilliant Uncirculated 50p Collection
This set is one of the only ways you can own all FIVE Rupert Bear 50p’s in superior Brilliant Uncirculated Quality. Each of the coins feature a specially commissioned design depicting some of the best-loved characters from the comic strip.
New 50p collections such as this prove extremely popular with collectors and we expect this to be no exception. If you’d like to secure one for your collection you’ll need to be quick. Click here for more details >>
The Silver Proof Rupert Bear 50p Coin
If you’d prefer to own a more limited version of the coin, then this Silver Proof Rupert Bear 50p is for you. Struck in Sterling Silver to an immaculate Proof Finish, the coin features an impressive full-colour illustration of Rupert Bear exactly as he features in the famous comic strip series.
Silver Proof 50p’s are amongst the most sought-after new issues around and with JUST 4,950 of these available worldwide, a sell-out is expected. Order yours today before it’s too late>>
The COMPLETE Rupert Bear Silver Proof 50p Collection
Are you after the perfect new centrepiece for your collection? Then look no further. The Silver Proof 50p Collection is perhaps the ultimate way to own these brand new coins. Each 50p has been impeccably struck in Silver to an immaculate Proof Finish and features one of five full colour designs.
Importantly, this set is the only way you can own ALL FIVE designs in Silver Proof quality. With just 2,495 available worldwide you’ll need to act fast to guarantee the complete set for your collection. These won’t be around for long! Find out more by clicking here>>
The Gold Proof Rupert Bear 50p
The crème de la crème of the range you could say. If you’re looking for the most premium and limited way to own one of these brand new British Isles Rupert Bear 50p coins, then this is it. The coin has been struck from 22 Carat Gold to a perfect Proof Finish, and features a stunning engraving of Rupert Bear.
New Gold Proof 50p’s have a strong sell-out history and high demand is expected. If you’d like to join one of JUST 250 lucky collectors worldwide to own this prestigious new coin, then please don’t delay. Click here for more information>
The Ultimate Rupert Bear 50p Coin Cover
For all the stamp collectors out there, this could be the perfect piece for you! As today, you can secure ALL FIVE of the Rupert Bear 50p Coins in superior Brilliant Uncirculated Quality, on this exclusive cover alongside classic Royal Mail Rupert Bear Stamps.
Only 750 covers are being issued worldwide. An edition limit that is confirmed by the one-day-only postmark – 9th March 2020 – the official release date of the new 50p coins. Given the limited number available a sell out is expected, so please order yours as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.> (opens in a new tab)”> Click here to find out more >>
Rupert Bear is a national treasure whose appeal spans across many generations. As such demand is expected to be extremely high for these brand new 50p coins.
It is highly advised that you act quickly to secure your favourite pieces from the collection to avoid disappointment. Sell-outs are expected, and fast.
*** The UK’s FIRST Dinosaur 50p coins are on sale now. Click here to order yours >> ***
When I was growing up I was fascinated by dinosaurs. In fact, I still am. And I expect you’d be hard pressed to find someone who wasn’t even just a little bit curious about the giant reptiles who walked the earth nearly 250 million years ago.
So, I’m sure you can understand my near-childlike excitement when the Royal Proclamation issued on 8th November 2019 confirmed that a brand new series of dinosaur-themed 50p coins will be released this year!
Read on to find out these rorarsome new releases and how you can become one of the first collectors to own one…
Three themed dinosaur 50ps released
Three designs have been confirmed for release in 2020 – we don’t know if there will be more, but at the moment it’s looking like a 3-coin series. The dinosaurs featured include:
- Megalosaurus – Greek for ‘great lizard’ and at seven to eight metres long it certainly lives up to its name! In 1676 the first Megalosurus bone was discovered in Oxfordshire and publication of the find is thought to make this dinosaur the very first to be described in scientific literature.
- Iguanodon – large herbivores with distinctive spike-like thumbs. After Megalosaurus, these were the second type of dinosaur to be formally recognised. Their name comes from its teeth which are similar to modern iguanas, and gave palaeontologists the first clue that dinosaurs had been reptiles.
- Hylaeosaurus – an armoured dinosaur with at least three long spines along its shoulders. However, much of the anatomy of this dinosaur is still unknown due to the fact that very limited remains have been found.
The UK’s first ever dinosaur coins
Significantly this is the first time dinosaurs will have ever featured on a UK coin! This fact alone will make them highly collectable and I’m sure dinosaur fans young and old will be eager to get their hands on one. I for one can’t wait for these roarsome coins to be let loose!
Stay up to date with all the latest 2020 Dinosaur 50p news…
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