Is there really no such thing as a Gruffalo®? Much anticipated 50p finally released!
An elusive British book character has finally made his way out of the forest and onto a UK 50p coin, making his debut appearance especially for collectors!
After months of anticipation, The Royal Mint has now released the brand new Gruffalo® 50p in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Julia Donaldson’s classic children’s Tale.
The Gruffalo has sold over 13.5 million copies worldwide and is adored by children and families across the globe, who I’m sure will now be delighted to see this character (terrible tusks and all) immortalised on a UK 50p coin for the very first time.
The reverse design by Magic Light Pictures beautifully captures the mysterious and unusual beast, described in Donaldson’s book as having ‘two large, curved horns at the top of his head’ and ‘an enormous, poisonous wart on the end of his wet nose.’
Since the release of the first Beatrix Potter 50p coins in 2016 – a collecting sensation, appealing to not just dedicated collectors, but the wider public and fans of the children’s stories too – classic book and film characters have been a real favourite theme for 50p coins.
All 13 Beatrix Potter 50ps, issued from 2016-2018
The release of The Snowman 50p last Christmas created a flurry of excitement as collectors and lovers of the story rushed to add this coin to their collection, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the latest fictional character to take to our UK coinage becomes the next must-have coin.
The Snowman BU 50p
The Gruffalo® 50p is available in Brilliant Uncirculated and Silver Proof quality, with the silver coin featuring colour printing to really bring the orange eyed monster to life. Just 25,000 colour printed silver coins are available and after the sell-out success of the silver Snowman 50p, collectors looking to secure this coin will want to act quick!
From publication of The Gruffalo in 1999 to the film adaptation, to the west-end theatre production and now to the 50p coin, the adoration for this endearing character amongst children and adults alike makes the 20th anniversary of the Gruffalo a wonderful occasion to celebrate.
Why has it been decided not to release these coins into circulation. As a change collector I get the buzz of receiving a 50p in change to see if it’s one I need. I don’t see why we have to purchase them.
The Royal Mint has released both the Gruffalo and the Snowman in Brilliant Uncirculated quality as they are special collector’s editions. It is a shame that they won’t be entering circulation though.
Hi,
When will you know the mintage figures for gruffalo and snow man please?
Also is Sherlock Holmes 50p coming into circulation this year?
Hi Luke, The Royal Mint haven’t released the mintage figures for these coins yet and haven’t confirmed if Sherlock Holmes will be entering circulation. We’ll let you know as soon as we hear more.
How many gold proof gruffalo 50p have been minted?
Hi Andrew, there was an extremely limited mintage of just 600 gold Gruffalo coins!
Is the gruffalo 50p being released into circulation?
Unfortunately not Ellie. It’s only available in collector’s quality.
Are you sure? Still none in stock….
Sorry Calvin, we had a few left this morning but it looks like we’re out again. They should be back in soon though.
Are the uncirculated kew couns/set worth the same as circulated ones please as im looking at the bunc sets on ebay for £250
We can’t put a value on the coins unfortunately, as it depends on so many variables. Our latest eBay tracker shows that people are willing to pay £97 for the 2009 circulated coin. As you say, the BUNC Kew Gardens from the 2019 set are selling for much higher on eBay as these are special collector’s edition coins, however with the original 2009 coin it’s actually the uncirculated coin that has the rarer mintage figure.
Hi when will you be getting stock back in amazon/ ebay for the BUNC edition (£3.99). Thanks!
Hi Calvin, we’re back in stock on Amazon now.