Discovering the ice age: the royal mint's tribute to ancient beasts
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As a lover of precious metals and a lifelong student of Earth’s history, the Royal Mint’s Ice Age Beasts coin series feels like it was made just for me. This collection, which concludes with the release of the Giant Deer 50p coin, has brought the fascinating world of the Pleistocene Epoch to life. Combining stunning artistry with scientific accuracy, these coins are a celebration of ancient creatures, the Earth’s changing landscapes, and the beauty of numismatic craftsmanship.
The Pleistocene Epoch, often referred to as the Ice Age, began around 2.6 million years ago. By this time, the Earth had been cooling for millennia, leading to the formation of massive glaciers, or ice sheets, that covered significant portions of the planet. These ice sheets extended beyond the polar regions, reaching as far as the Midlands in England and spanning much of Canada and the northern United States. At their peak, these ice sheets could be up to 3km thick, reshaping the landscape and altering the course of life on Earth.
Interestingly, the megafauna that roamed during this period, such as the Steppe Mammoth, Woolly Rhinoceros, and Giant Deer, thrived not on the glaciers themselves but in the fertile regions just beyond. These areas, rich in plant life, provided the sustenance needed to support these massive creatures. With so much water locked in the ice sheets, sea levels dropped, creating land bridges and enabling animals to migrate and adapt to new environments.
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This awe-inspiring era is brought to life by the Royal Mint’s Ice Age Beasts series. Each coin in the collection is struck in 925 sterling silver to Proof standard, with only 2,500 available in this limited edition presentation. The coins feature colour-printed designs by renowned palaeo-artist Robert Nicholls, whose work vividly captures the essence of these incredible creatures. The latest and final coin, depicting the Giant Deer, is a masterpiece that reflects the expert input of palaeobiologist Professor Adrian Lister from the Natural History Museum.
What makes these coins truly special is their attention to detail. The reverse designs are scientifically accurate portrayals of how these animals would have appeared in the Ice Age, making them not just numismatic treasures but educational tools. The accompanying booklets delve into the life of each creature and the environment they inhabited, offering a glimpse into a time when the Earth was both harsher and more magnificent than we can imagine.
For me, as someone with a background in Earth studies and physical geography, these coins resonate on a deeper level. They are more than just collectors’ items; they’re a connection to the past and a reminder of the dynamic processes that have shaped our planet. They also serve as a way to share my passion with my children, showing them how the natural world has evolved and the role that gold and silver play in preserving history.
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The Royal Mint’s Ice Age Beasts series isn’t just about commemorating ancient creatures—it’s about celebrating the interplay of art, science, and heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a history enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates beautiful design, these coins are a must-have. With their limited availability, they are bound to become cherished pieces in any collection.
If the Giant Deer marks the end of this remarkable series, it does so in spectacular fashion. It’s a coin that encapsulates the grandeur of the Ice Age and reminds us of the enduring power of precious metals to tell a story. For me, it’s the perfect fusion of my two passions: the Earth’s history and the timeless allure of silver and gold.
