New 'The Gruffalo' 50p Coins Are Being Launched By Royal Mint

Coin collectors, assemble. You can now get a new limited edition The Gruffalo 50p.

The coin depicts the famous literary beast - as written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler - and honours 20 years since the book was first published.

On its front is a depiction of The Gruffalo meeting Mouse in the woods for the first time.

You can get your hands on the coin for £10 on the Royal Mint website from 9am today (17th October), while a silver version is available for £65.

If you're a Gruffalo super-fan, you can also snap up a gold version at £980.

Royal Mint

While the coin is not set to enter general circulation, it is the perfect addition for any avid collector.

This isn't the first Gruffalo coin out there, as The Mint produced a 50p earlier this year which shows the beast without his companion.

Nicola Howell, director of consumer at the Royal Mint said: "Following the fantastic response to The Gruffalo's debut appearance on a 50p coin to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the book, we are delighted to introduce an additional coin capturing Mouse and Gruffalo's first meeting, continuing the story of one of the world's most favourite literary monsters on UK coins."

Royal Mint

Donaldson, said: "The launch of the first Gruffalo coins in February was a great 20th birthday present for him, and the issue of a second collectable 50p coin in the same year feels like the icing on his birthday cake."

Scheffler, said: "Having never imagined that The Gruffalo would appear on a coin, it is great that we have two coins in the 20th year of the book.

Royal Mint

"A love of the story unites children across the world and I hope that they will be able to cherish these stories for a long time."

There have also been several other children's characters on coins, from a rare and valuable Beatrix Potter coin to a Paddington design.

Most recently, coins featuring beloved pantomime characters like Cinderella were also released.

Snow White, Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk and Dick Whittington coins are also available to mark the festive season thanks to the Guernsey Treasury.

We want them all!

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Joanna Freedman

Joanna is a journalist at Tyla with a particular interest in highlighting women's issues and telling inspiring first person stories. She's also their resident foodie, and loves covering exciting new beauty launches, too. Contact her at [email protected].

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