Introducing a Selection of the Natural History Museum’s Iconic Specimens

Finally, the last coin in the Iconic Specimens collection is dedicated to another notable and recognisable dinosaur, the sauropod known as Diplodocus. Another creature from the Jurassic Period, Diplodocus is known for its long neck, barrel-shaped body, thick, pillar-like legs, and long slender tail. In fact, it was one of the longest dinosaurs to exist – with one species growing up to 33 metres in length – and could consume over 100 kilogrammes of vegetation every day. Created at Edward VII’s request, the full-scale cast of Diplodocus owned by the Natural History Museum is one of the most famous dinosaur exhibits in the United Kingdom. Fondly known as ‘Dippy’, the skeleton has toured the country extensively in recent years, allowing millions of people across the UK to view this amazing specimen up close.

 

Each coin in the collection features a reverse design by renowned palaeo-artist Robert Nicholls. Alongside his legacy within the world of palaeontological art, particularly in the UK, his name may be familiar to collectors of the previous Tales of the Earth coins, as the artist’s designs also feature on our existing Dinosauria and Mary Anning coins too. Benefitting from Robert Nicholls’ extensive knowledge of the subject matter with the expert guidance of Professor Paul Barrett from the Natural History Museum, each design is accurate down to the smallest detail.