New commemorative 50p coins are set to be released, featuring characters worth up to £99.50. One of the coins will showcase The Gruffalo’s Child to celebrate the 20th anniversary since the original story’s publication. The coin design displays the brave monster alongside Mouse in the wintry deep dark wood, using original artwork by illustrator Axel Scheffler. The sequel to the much-loved children’s tale by Julia Donaldson and Scheffler has garnered numerous awards and admiration since its debut in 2004.
This collectible coin, struck at the Royal Mint’s headquarters in South Wales, will not enter general circulation but will be available in various precious metal finishes on the Royal Mint’s website. Some of the coins will incorporate colour into their designs, adding a unique touch to the iconic characters. The Gruffalo’s Child follows in the footsteps of previous 50p coins featuring The Gruffalo released in 2019.
Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coins at the Royal Mint, expressed excitement about immortalising The Gruffalo’s Child on the 50p coin, capturing the essence of the beloved story with precision. Author Julia Donaldson commented on the honour of having the character featured on a coin and hoped fans would cherish it as a lasting memento of the 20th anniversary. Illustrator Axel Scheffler also expressed gratitude for the recognition of The Gruffalo and its offspring on the coin.
The Royal Mint has previously featured other popular children’s characters on coins, such as Beatrix Potter creations, Paddington, and The Snowman, all of which have been well-received by collectors. This latest release adds another cherished literary figure to the collection, delighting fans and numismatists alike with its intricate design and sentimental value.