Completing the Dinosaur set will be the Hylaeosaurus 50p which will be released in April 2020. The set will be popular among those who love dinosaurs and they make excellent gifts for children too.
History of the coin
When the country implemented the new decimal system of currency, the Royal Mint had to design a whole new coin set. This was started in 1968 and in 1969 the first 50p was issued. It replaced the 10 shilling note and had 7 sides, which made it stand out from other coins.
The original design had Britannia on and this design has changed many times as the coin has been used to commemorate famous people and national anniversaries.
About the Hylaeosaurus
The Hylaeosaurus lived 150-135 million years ago during the early Cretaceous period.
Its name translates as ‘Woodland lizard’ and it was herbivorous.
In 1832, Dr Gideon Mantell discovered the remains of a Hylaeosaurus in West Sussex and he named it in 1833. Remains have also been found on the Isle of Wight as well as in France, Germany, Spain and Romania.
After researching the remains, Sir Richard Owen first used the term ‘dinosauria’ to describe these remains.
How many Hylaeosaurus 50p coins were made?
The Hylaeosaurus 50p will only be issued as a commemorative coin, though it will be accepted as legal tender.
Design and Designer
- Front design:
The design shows an Hylaeosaurus with the words ‘Mantell 1833’ underneath.
- Obverse design:
Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark.
- Designer: Robert Nicholls
Paleo artist Robert Nicholls has created the Dinosauria coins with the help of the Earth Sciences Department at the Natural History Museum.
He is known for his accuracy in portraying prehistoric creatures, and these coins have the same attention to detail.
He studies each species before recreating them and this includes reading scientific reports, briefs and consulting with experts. He then starts with the skeleton, making sure that every aspect of the creature is perfect before moving on.
The coin is due for release in April 2020 so no variations are yet known.