The Dinosauria Collection

Iguanodon

In 1822, while travelling near Lewes, Sussex, Mary Mantell noticed a large tooth at the side of the road belonging to a previously unknown animal. Her husband, Dr Gideon Mantell, was struck by their similarity to those of an iguana, naming it Iguanodon in 1825.

Hylaeosaurus

Britain has a fascinating fossil record. Around 50–60 different species have been found here, including Hylaeosaurus, the first armoured dinosaur ever discovered. Together with Megalosaurus and Iguanodon, it played a crucial role in forming our understanding of these long-extinct creatures.

Temnodontosaurus

Tales of the Earth continue with The Mary Anning Collection, a celebration of one of Britain’s greatest fossil hunters. The first coin in the collection features Temnodontosaurus, and you can take home Plesiosaurus and Dirmorphodon if you sign up for the collection.

Plesiosaurus

The Mary Anning Collection continues with the second of three coins celebrating one of Britain’s greatest fossil hunters. Taking its place alongside Temnodontosaurus is Plesiosaurus, another mighty marine reptile that terrorised the seas.

Dimorphodon

In 1828, Dimorphodon was the first flying reptile to be discovered and identified in Britain. Returning to rule the skies, it takes flight on a new 50p coin, which concludes this three-part collection celebrating Mary Anning’s remarkable discoveries.