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Coins: Royal Mint to release special dinosaur-themed 50p pieces

Dinosaur coinsImage source, PA Media

Three dinosaur-themed collectable coins have been unveiled by the Royal Mint, in collaboration with the Natural History Museum.

The tyrannosaurus, stegosaurus and diplodocus will each appear on their own coin, which will be available in colour and show the dinosaurs and their natural environment.

Each dinosaur has been designed by paleo-artist Robert Nicholls, with guidance from Professor Paul Barrett at the Natural History Museum.

Rebecca Morgan, director at the Royal Mint, said: "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."

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This is the third coin collection in the Mint's Tales of the Earth series, celebrating awe-inspiring ancient creatures and dinosaurs.

It's a project the artist Robert Nicholls is clearly very excited about. He said: "I have dedicated my life to bringing extinct animals back to life through art, I started drawing dinosaurs as soon as I could hold a pencil - it is my obsession."

Maxine Lister at the Natural History Museum, said:

"Our team of craftspeople have faithfully reproduced Robert Nicholls' technical drawings to ensure each dinosaur appears in fine detail. Recreating the mighty Tyrannosaurus on the tiny canvas of a fifty pence takes a lot of skill, and we're really proud of the result."

For nearly 200 million years, dinosaurs roamed the Earth so it's fitting that they are honoured forever on an official UK coin.

— Rebecca Morgan, , Director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint

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.

— Maxine Lister, Head of licensing at the Natural History Museum