The scale of this collection enables researchers from all over the world to document how species have and continue to respond to environmental changes - which is vital in helping predict what might happen in the future and informing future policies and plans to help the planet. It is custodian of one of the world’s most important scientific collections comprising over 80 million specimens. With a vision of a future in which both people and the planet thrive, it is uniquely positioned to be a powerful champion for balancing humanity’s needs with those of the natural world. The Natural History Museum is both a world-leading science research centre and the most visited natural history museum in Europe. We celebrate Mary Anning’s legacy and remarkable scientific finds with three commemorative coins featuring the Temnodontosaurus, Plesiosaurus and the Dimorphodon.’Īvailable in Brilliant Uncirculated, Silver Proof and Gold Proof versions, the full collection is available online now at Notes to Editors: It is fantastic to see Mary celebrated in such a special way in 2021.”Ĭlare Maclennan, Divisional Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint said, ‘We are thrilled to be working alongside the Natural History Museum again to launch a second coin collection celebrating Britain’s fossil hunter and palaeontologist Mary Anning. The Mary Anning Collection celebrates a pivotal figure in the understanding of palaeontology, important contributions to science that were rarely acknowledged in Mary’s lifetime.

Based on current understanding and with the expert guidance of Sandra Chapman from the Earth Sciences Department of the Natural History Museum, the coin designs depict a scientifically accurate reconstruction of each species and the environment in which it lived.Ĭlare Matterson, Executive Director of Engagement at the Natural History Museum said: “We are thrilled to continue working with The Royal Mint on the Tales of the Earth series.

Coins featuring both Plesiosaurus and Dimorphodon will launch later in the year completing this collection commemorating the incredible fossils unearthed by Mary Anning along what is now known as the Jurassic Coast. The first coin in this three-part collection features Temnodontosaurus, a huge marine predator and one of the largest types of ichthyosaur that inhabited our ancient oceans.

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