Named by geologist Gideon Mantell, the Iguanodon was the second type of dinosaur whose name followed discovery of fossil remains, proceeded only by the megalosaurus. While fossils and dinosaur bones must have been uncovered across the world for thousands of years, it was in 1824 with the work of William Buckland that the first scientific description of a dinosaur was formed, using fragments of jaw and bone found in Oxfordshire. The term 'dinosauria' was coined by anatomist Richard Owen in the mid nineteenth century. He used it to mean 'fearfully great' in recognition of the terrifying size and power that these pre-historic animals. Throughout the nineteenth century discoveries were made and theories exchanged. 

In 2020, The Royal Mint released a set of three new Fifty Pence designs to chart the history of dinosaur discoveries and advances in paleanotology, one of which is this silver proof Iguanodon design. The iguanodon was a large, herbivorous dinosaur which was able to walk on two legs or four. Palaeo-artist Robert Nicholls designed the coin’s reverse with the Natural History Museum to create an accurate representation of the creature. In front of the dinosaur is an example of one of its teeth as well as the legend ‘IGUANODON’ and ‘MANTELL 1825.’ 

On the other side, is Jody Clark's effigy of Her Majesty the Queen, which is the fifth official portrait used on circulating coinage. This Fifty Pence is struck in .925 sterling silver and finished to proof standard, meaning it has a higher quality finish with greater definition. One of 7,000 in this presentation, it weighs 8.00 grams and has a diameter of 27.30 millimetres.