First children's character on UK coin to mark the birth of Beatrix Potter.
Peter Rabbit, the mischievous anthropomorphic character created by Beatrix Potter, is to become the first children’s literary character to appear on a UK coin.
The vegetable thief, famous for his adventures in Mr McGregor’s garden, will feature in full colour on a special 50p commemorative coin to mark the 150th anniversary of the author’s birth in 1866.
When Frederick Warne & Co. released The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1902, it was an instant success, and was followed by 22 further tales.
The design
In order to retain the essence of Potter’s original illustrations the coins will be available in silver proof with a colour printed design, bringing Peter and his famous blue jacket to life. There will also be a plain version released into general circulaiton later this year.
The coins have been designed by Emma Noble, who has worked on pieces commemorating the Diamond Jubilee and Remembrance Sunday.
The Royal Mint says that three more Potter characters are set to feature on special edition coins later in the year to make a four-piece set.
How to get one
The coloured commemorative Peter Rabbit coin is available on the Royal Mint website starting from £55, but non-coloured regular 50p coins featuring him and his friends will be released into general circulation later this year.
The Peter Rabbit coins are the second set the Royal Mint has announced this year to celebrate the sesquicentenary of Potter’s birth, with gold and silver pieces unveiled at the beginning of the year.
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