Diplodocus 2024 UK 50p: The “Dippy” Coin That Turned a Museum Icon into Pocket-Sized History
Some coins are about monarchs and milestones. This one is about a 26-metre crowd-magnet that (somehow) became Britain’s most beloved dinosaur. The Royal Mint's Diplodocus 2024 UK 50p is the grand finale of the Dinosaurs: Iconic Specimens collection, created with the Natural History Museum.
2024 Diplodocus 50p Market Values
| Coin Type | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Plain BU | £6.50 – £16.95 |
| Coloured BU | £19.35 – £49.50 |
| Silver Proof | £31.90 – £78.69 |
| SYO (Strike Your Own) | £12.14 – £18.02 |
| Others (Sets) | £15.53 – £24.95 |
Why collectors keep circling back
- It’s the final chapter: Completes the three-coin run (Tyrannosaurus → Stegosaurus → Diplodocus).
- It’s “Dippy” in spirit: Celebrates the famous Natural History Museum replica.
- Scientific accuracy: Designed by paleo-artist Robert Nicholls.
Diplodocus: Quick Facts
Diplodocus isn’t just “big dinosaur, long neck.” It’s a creature with a fascinating backstory:
- Lived roughly 150 million years ago.
- One species could reach around 33 metres (the length of a tennis court).
- Used pencil-like teeth to strip leaves from branches.
- Its "whiplash" tail was used as a natural defensive weapon.
At-a-glance Specs (BU 50p)
| Denomination | 50p |
|---|---|
| Year | 2024 |
| Alloy | Cupro-nickel |
| Weight | 8.00 g |
Available Editions
| Coin Variation | Mintage | Finish | Issue Price | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diplodocus 2024 UK 50p Brilliant Uncirculated Coin | Unlimited | BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED | £15.00 | sales volume unknown |
| Diplodocus 2024 UK 50p Brilliant Uncirculated Colour Coin | Limited Edition 15,000 | BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED | £25.00 | Most "giftable" pick, high demand on eBay due to low pop |
| Diplodocus 2024 UK 50p Silver Proof Coin | Limited Edition 500 | SILVER PROOF | £61.00 | Sold out fast on release day, very low mintage |
| Diplodocus 2024 UK 50p Silver Proof Colour Coin | Limited Edition 5,000 | SILVER PROOF | £84.95 | Still available |
| Diplodocus 2024 UK 1oz Silver Proof Coin | Limited Edition 2,000 | SILVER PROOF | £132.50 | Popular with silver stackers |
| Diplodocus 2024 UK 1/4oz Gold Proof Coin | Limited Edition 300 | GOLD PROOF | £1,190.00 | Nice coin if you have the ££££ |
| [Diplodocus 2024 UK 50p Gold Proof Coin](https://www.royalmint.com/shop/limited-editions/dinosaurs-iconic-specimens/diplodocus/diplodocus-2024-50p-gold-proof-coin/) | Limited Edition 100 | GOLD PROOF | £2,075.00 | The flagship rarity. |
Coin Variation Image Gallery
Coloured Brilliant Uncirculated Coin Image
Coloured Brilliant Uncirculated Coin Image
This coin was available at the Royal Mint Experience in Wales as a Brilliant Uncirculated 'Strike Your Own' edition between 17/05/24 to 07/07/24.
Collector Tips
Practical handling: Keep capsules sealed, avoid fingerprints, and store away from humidity, especially for proof surfaces where marks show up easily.
Bottom line: The Diplodocus 50p works equally well as a serious set-completion target and as a charming gateway for new collectors.
Why is it called Diplodocus?
Diplodocus comes from Greek words: diploos (διπλοῦς) meaning "double" and dokos (δοκός) meaning "beam" or "bar," translating to "double beam".
Paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh coined the name in 1878 for the long, double-beamed chevron bones on the underside of its tail, initially thought to be unique.
- Origin: Greek words diploos (double) + dokos (beam)
- Creator: Othniel Charles Marsh (1878)
- Reason: Refers to the distinctive, double-beamed chevron bones on the tail vertebrae
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