Earlier this month, the Royal Mint issued the first coin from its 2017 Beatrix Potter Collection.
The four-coin set of coloured 50-pence coins features characters from the Peter Rabbit series. The first coin commemorates The Tale of Petter Rabbit, and the remaining three 2017-dated coins will depict Jeremy Fisher (June 5); Tom Kitten (July 31); and Benjamin Bunny (September). The designs borrow their style from the original hand-painted illustrations by English author and illustrator Beatrix Potter.
The Jeremy Fisher uncirculated quality 50p is due to be released on the 5 June, Tom Kitten on 31 July and Benjamin Bunny sometime in September.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit was the first of Potter’s short stories and introduced the mischievous blue-coated bunny to the world. Generations of children have enjoyed Peter’s antics and the story of his escape from Mr. McGregor’s vegetable garden.
This first coin—with 30,000 to be struck in total—was designed by Emma Noble. An unlimited number of uncoloured versions will also be available.
‘THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT’ 50p COIN
Denomination 50 pence Alloy Cupro-nickel Weight 8 grams Diameter 27.30 mm Reverse Designer Emma Noble Obverse Designer Jody Clark Quality Brilliant Uncirculated
Last year, Royal Mint marked the 150th anniversary of Potter’s birth with another four-coin collection, which included coins commemorating Jemima Puddle-Duck; Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle; Squirrel Nutkin; and Peter Rabbit.
There will also be coins commemorating Tom Kitten coin (shown above); Jeremy Fisher; and Benjamin Bunny.
“The enormous popularity of the 2016 set exceeded everyone’s expectations,” said Anne Jessopp, of the Royal Mint. “The coins sold out almost instantly as people raced to collect a complete set of the four friends.”
“We’re delighted to be able to present another group of her exquisite characters, giving them a new lease of life on our specially-designed coloured commemorative coins.”