The U.K.’s Royal Mint recently announced four new designs will be added to the Beatrix Potter collection for 2018.
The Brilliant Uncirculated and coloured silver Proof 50-pence coins will be released throughout 2018 to supplement the 2016 and 2017 collections, which celebrated the much-loved author’s 150th anniversary in 2016.
The first of the four furry characters available for purchase is Peter Rabbit, who will be followed by Flopsy Bunny, Mrs. Tittlemouse and a helpful mouse from The Tailor of Gloucester.
“The Beatrix Potter range has grown in popularity since Peter Rabbit was first introduced onto U.K. coins in 2016. Since then, Peter Rabbit has been joined by a number of furry friends throughout the years,” said Royal Mint CEO Anne Jessopp. “This year we are delighted to present another group of Beatrix’s characters, giving them a new lease of life on our specially-designed coloured commemorative coins.”
Alongside the special-edition coloured coins (shown above), the four designs will also be hopping into the publics’ pockets and purses later this year as plain-metal circulating versions.
2018 COLLECTION
The 2018 collection, developed in collaboration with Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd. (Beatrix Potter’s original publisher and today part of Penguin Random House U.K.) will once again kick off with a famously cheeky character from Potter’s books – and arguably one of the most recognizable children’s literary creations ever – Peter Rabbit himself.
The masterful, hand-painted style of Beatrix Potter’s original illustration will be captured on the silver Proof coins by vivid colour printed designs. Capturing the blue of Peter Rabbit’s coat, the subtle red of Flopsy Bunny’s jacket and the pastel tones in Mrs. Tittlemouse’s dress.
Designer Emma Noble was chosen to immortalize Potter’s much-loved illustrations for the 2018 collection. In addition to the first Beatrix Potter collection, Noble has previously worked on coins commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation, Remembrance Sunday and King George I.
“We are thrilled to be working on the third release of Beatrix Potter coins with the Royal Mint,” said Thomas Merrington, creative director at Penguin Ventures (part of Penguin Random House U.K.). “The incredible popularity of the series has taken us all by surprise and we are delighted to add more beloved characters to this wonderful collection.”
Alongside the special-edition coloured coins, the four designs will also be hopping into the publics’ pockets and purses later this year as plain-metal circulating versions.