Gruffalo 50p

• Gruffalo 50p
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A host of different designs feature on 50p coins. Just this year, they have ranged from another children's favourite character The Gruffalo to a black hole in memory of Stephen Hawking. Now, all eyes are turning to a brand-new offering from The Royal Mint: The Gruffalo 50p. The new coin is being launched to celebrate 20 years of Julia Donaldson's iconic character. A commemorative Gruffalo 50p coin first launched in February Credit: PA:Press Association But experts over at Change Checker say they've heard a second 50p coin is set to launch.

The British fifty pence (50p) coin - often pronounced fifty pee - is a unit of currency equalling one half of a Pound Sterling. It is a seven-sided coin formed as an equilateral-curve heptagon, or Reuleaux polygon - a curve of constant width, meaning that the diameter is constant across any bisection. This shape, which was revolutionary at the time of its introduction, makes it easily distinguishable from round coins both by feel and by sight, while its constant breadth allows it to roll in vending machines.

The first UK Fifty Pence coin was issued in 1969 with the classic Britannia reverse design by Christopher Ironside, which was superseded in 2008 by the Matthew Dent design for circulation coins.The denomination is also extensively used to issue circulating commemorative coins.

Beginning in 2009, the Royal Mint started issuing 50 pence coins for collectors - such as this one - which are not meant to be released in circulation, so are classified as Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT).

This coin continues the great success of earlier circulation commemoratives celebrating favourite children story characters; it marks 20 years since the publication of the book - The Gruffalo®. The coin was issued in several formats: Brilliant Uncirculated, cased in a wallet, which opens out to reveal illustrations from the book, and information about Julia Donaldson (author) and Axel Scheffler (illustrator); Silver Proof, coloured, in acrylic block which displays a colourful forest scene and also features another key character from the story - Mouse; Gold Proof, in a walnut case, within a carton showcasing The Gruffalo, and a booklet taking the reader through the story of The Gruffalo.

A second coin about this character was issued later the same year, featuring The Gruffalo and Mouse.

No coins of this type were issued into circulation.

The Gruffalo and Mouse commemorative 50p captures the distinctive beast and Mouse meeting in the woods. The coin is available in different finishes including the Silver proof coloured coin which captures the uniqueness of the Gruffalo monster and the bravery of Mouse in incredibly vibrant colours and detail.

The coin is a commemorative coin and will not be entering general circulation.

The story, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler was first published twenty years ago, and has become a firm bedtime favourite having sold 14.5 million copies worldwide.

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.'

The commemorative coins are available in Gold proof, Silver proof and Brilliant Uncirculated and will be available to purchase from www.royalmint.com/gruffalo, prices start from £10.

Julia 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.'

Axel Scheffler, commented:

'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. 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.'

Gruffalo 50p

The Gruffalo® and Mouse 2019 UK 50p Specifications

Gruffalo 50p Ebay