The 2025 Mary Poppins 50p is practically perfect in every way!
Mary Poppins, one of the best loved literary characters of all time has been celebrated on the 2025 Mary Poppins 50p – 91 years since the first book was published!
Add the 2025 UK Mary Poppins 50p to your collection >>
A supercalifragilisticexpialidocious design
The reverse design on the 2025 Mary Poppins 50p features an original illustration by Mary Shepard that appeared on the cover of the first book in P.L. Travers’ eight book series. Mary Poppins can be seen soaring over the rooftops, umbrella in one hand, trusty carpetbag in the other, an image that perfectly captures the magic of the beloved story.
Did you know? Mary Poppins illustrator Mary Shepard was the daughter of E.H. Shepard who illustrated Winnie the Pooh and The Wind in the Willows. P.L. Travers originally wanted E.H. Shepard to provide the illustrations for her stories, however he declined as he was too busy, it was only after receiving a Christmas card featuring artwork by Mary Shepard that Travers felt her whimsical style would be suited to her vision for Poppins.
Over 90 Years of Magic
After blowing in on an east wind and arriving at 17 Cherry Tree Lane, Mary Poppins gets to work taking care of the Banks children, teaching them fun and valuable life lessons – with a little bit of magic thrown in.
Image Credit: Disney trailer screenshot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since the first book was published in 1934, the Mary Poppins stories have captured the imaginations of both children and adults across the globe, gaining further popularity in 1964 with the Disney film adaptation of the story.
Julie Andrews brought the beloved literary character to life in the original 1964 film adaptation, however Poppins has been portrayed countless times in film and theatre since.
Who’s portrayal of Mary Poppins is your favourite? Let us know in the comments!
Other literary icons on UK coins
Mary Poppins isn’t the first literary character to feature on a UK coin, we’ve previously seen the likes of Lucy Pevensie and Mr Tumnus strolling through Narnia on the 2023 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe 50p, Paddington Bear travelling around London on the 2018 and 2019 Paddington 50p series and of course, the Gruffalo on the sell-out 2019 coins and the 2024 Gruffalo’s Child 50p.
Peter Rabbit and other beloved characters from Beatrix Potter’s enchanting tales featured on UK coins between 2016 and 2020. Thirteen Beatrix Potter 50ps were issued between 2016 and 2018, each featuring beloved characters from Potter’s enchanting tales. All of these coins entered circulation, however a further 2 Peter Rabbit 50ps were issued in 2019 and 2020 which did not enter circulation.
And not to be forgotten is the 9-coin Winnie the Pooh 50p series which feature original illustrations from A. A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh storybooks by none other than E.H. Shepard!
Secure your 2025 Mary Poppins 50p
Add the 2025 UK Mary Poppins 50p to your collection for just £8.99 (+p&p) >>