Posts Tagged ‘Gruffalo 50p’

In 2019, an elusive British book character 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 released the first ever UK 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 were 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 captured 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.

The release of the first Snowman 50p in 2018 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.

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.

Sensational Sell Outs

Shortly after the 2019 Gruffalo 50p was released, it became one of the most sought-after 50ps of recent years, with more than 239,000 Brilliant Uncirculated 50ps sold and all 25,500 Silver Proof Gruffalo 50ps selling out! Find out more about what made the Gruffalo 50ps so popular here >>