If you’re a fan of The Gruffalo or just love collecting unique coins, you’re in for a treat! The Royal Mint has just released a special 50p coin featuring The Gruffalo’s Child to mark the story’s 20th anniversary. Here’s everything you need to know.
Mark 20 years of The Gruffalo’s Child with The Royal Mint’s magical 50p coin.
What’s the Fuss About?
This isn’t just any 50p coin—it’s a limited-edition commemorative piece celebrating one of Britain’s most beloved children’s stories. The Gruffalo’s Child, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, has been a favourite since it was published in 2004. Now, The Royal Mint is honouring the tale with a beautifully crafted coin.
What Does the Coin Look Like?
The coin showcases The Gruffalo’s Child in a wintery scene, alongside the little mouse from the story. The design is by Axel Scheffler, the original illustrator of the book, so it stays true to the characters we all know and love. Some versions of the coin even include a touch of colour, bringing the scene to life.
Why Is This Gruffalo’s Child Coin by The Royal Mint Special?
Here’s why collectors are excited:
- Limited Edition: These coins are not going into general circulation, which means you won’t find one in your pocket change. You can only buy them from The Royal Mint.
- Variety of Finishes: You can choose from different versions, depending on your budget and interest:
- Standard Coin: £12 for an uncirculated 50p.
- Coloured Version: £21 if you want the coin with added colour.
- Silver Proof: £75 for a silver proof version.
- Gold Proof: £99.50 for the gold proof coin.
These prices make it accessible whether you’re a casual collector or a more serious one looking for something special.
How Do These Coins Perform in Value?
If you’re thinking about the investment potential, there’s good news. The original Gruffalo coins released by The Royal Mint in 2019 have already seen their value rise. Coins that initially sold for £10 have been resold for as much as £26 on eBay! Of course, prices can vary, and like any collectible, the value will depend on how much someone is willing to pay.
A Bit About The Royal Mint
For those who might not know, The Royal Mint is a key part of British heritage, with over 1,100 years of history. It’s not just where your everyday coins are made—it’s where some of the most iconic and collectible coins in the world come from. They’ve featured everything from Paddington Bear to The Snowman on coins, making them a go-to for collectors.
How to Get Your Gruffalo’s Child Coin
The coins are available now on The Royal Mint’s website, but you’ll need to act fast. Limited-edition coins like these tend to sell out quickly, especially when they feature characters as beloved as The Gruffalo’s Child.
Why Should You Care?
Even if you’re not a coin collector, this is a fun way to own a piece of British culture. The Gruffalo series has sold millions of copies worldwide and been adapted for stage and screen. Having a coin like this is a unique way to celebrate the story that has captured hearts for 20 years.
Gruffalo Coin Resale Values: Profits and Losses
| Year | Original Price | Resale Price | Profit/Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | £10 | £22 | £12 |
| 2019 | £10 | £26 | £16 |
| 2019 | £10 | £6 | -£4 |
Key Points:
The resale value of coins can vary significantly.
Some coins have sold for more than double their original price.
Other coins have been resold at a loss, demonstrating the unpredictability of coin collecting.
FAQs
The Gruffalo’s Child 50p coin is a special commemorative coin released by The Royal Mint to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the popular children’s book The Gruffalo’s Child.
No, this coin is not entering general circulation. It is a limited-edition collectable available for purchase directly from The Royal Mint.
Prices for the Gruffalo’s Child 50p coin start at £12 for a standard uncirculated coin. Coloured versions cost £21, with silver proof and gold proof versions available at £75 and £99.50, respectively.
No, the Gruffalo’s Child coin is only available through The Royal Mint’s website. It won’t be found in general circulation or in shops.
The Gruffalo’s Child coin is special because it commemorates the 20th anniversary of a beloved children’s book. It features original artwork by Axel Scheffler and is available in several finishes, making it a sought-after item for collectors.
While it’s impossible to predict exactly, previous Gruffalo coins have increased in value over time, especially on resale platforms like eBay. The limited availability adds to its potential as a collectible.
You can purchase the coin directly from The Royal Mint’s official website. It is available for a limited time, so it’s best to act quickly if you’re interested.
Yes, the Gruffalo’s Child coin is available in several versions, including a standard uncirculated coin, a coloured version, a silver proof coin, and a gold proof coin.
The Gruffalo’s Child coin features an illustration by Axel Scheffler, the original illustrator of the The Gruffalo series, ensuring the design stays true to the beloved characters.
The Royal Mint has previously featured several popular children’s characters on coins, including Paddington Bear, The Snowman, and characters from Beatrix Potter’s stories.