The Royal Mint combines augmented reality and coins for the first time for Dinosauria Collection
The Royal Mint, in conjunction with the Natural History Museum, has launched a commemorative Hylaeosaurus 50p coin - the final coin in the popular Dinosauria Collection series which celebrates Britain’s contribution to the discovery of dinosaurs.
The Dinosauria Collection also marks a new milestone for The Royal Mint, as the first coin series to feature augmented reality technology. The Brilliant Uncirculated edition also features the latest colour printing techniques showcasing the Megalosaurus, Iguanodon and Hylaeosaurus in vivid colour, providing a scientifically accurate reconstruction of the dinosaur.
Designed in conjunction with experts at the Natural History Museum, the augmented reality brings the mighty beasts to life from the comfort of home. Upon receiving their coin, collectors simply need to download The Royal Mint’s ‘Activate App’ and scan the packaging to unearth exclusive content including fascinating facts, animated clips and imagery.
Clare Maclennan, Divisional Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint said, ‘As one of the nation’s most loved tourist attractions remain closed, we are pleased to partner with the Natural History Museum to bring dinosaurs to life from the comfort of your home. It is the first time that The Royal Mint has combined augmented reality with a coin series as we continue to innovate and enrich the experience of coin collecting. Simply by scanning the packaging our customers will be able to access exclusive content which celebrates Britain’s role in the discovery of dinosaurs, brings the animals to life through animation and explores the intricate details of each coin.”
Maxine lister, Head of Licensing at the Natural History Museum said, “The Museum is thrilled to see the release of the third and final coin in the Dinosauria Collection, an exciting series celebrating Britain’s contribution to the discovery of dinosaurs. The collection features each creature that led anatomist and founder of the Natural History Museum, Sir Richard Owen to his ground-breaking conclusion, including Megalosaurus, Iguanodon and finally Hylaeosaurus.”
Renowned British paleo-artist and designer of the Dinosauria collection, Robert Nicholls, with the expert guidance of Prof. Paul M. Barrett from the Earth Sciences Department of the Natural History Museum, has brought all three dinosaurs back to life. Robert has been creating natural history specimens for museums and universities around the world for more than 20 years. Based on current understanding and the expertise of leading palaeontologists at the Natural History Museum, the coin design is a scientifically accurate reconstruction of the dinosaur and the environment that it lived in.
To view the full Dinosauria Collection and discover more about the augmented reality technology visit www.royalmint.com/dinosaurs.