The Gruffalo returns to UK coins

With the recent release of the 2024 The Gruffalo’s Child 50p, let’s take a closer look at why the previous Gruffalo 50ps were so popular!

Some of the most popular coins are often those that not only have captivating designs, but those that tell a story, and the 2019 Gruffalo® 50p and the 2019 Gruffalo and Mouse 50p coins are prime examples. These coins gained immense popularity among collectors, and it’s not hard to see why...

The story behind the coins

The Gruffalo, a beloved children’s book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, first hit the shelves in 1999 and has since sold a whopping 13.5 million copies! The story has enchanted both children and adults, with its whimsical tale of a clever mouse who outsmarts a host of woodland creatures, including the fearsome Gruffalo.

The Gruffalo has also become somewhat of a festive favourite, as it was adapted into a short film for BBC One in December 2009 by production company Magic Light Pictures.

2019 Gruffalo 50p

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of this iconic story, The Royal Mint released two commemorative 50ps in 2019, the first featuring the Gruffalo himself.

The reverse design, created by Magic Light Pictures, features the Gruffalo smirking mischievously with all his distinctive features.

When it was first released in February 2019, the Gruffalo 50p sparked huge excitement across the UK, inspiring a whole new generation of collectors.

It became one of the most sought-after 50ps of recent years, with more than 239,000 Brilliant Uncirculated 50ps sold and all 25,500 Silver Proof Gruffalo 50ps selling out.

2019 Gruffalo and Mouse 50p

Following the success of the first release, The Royal Mint delighted collectors once again by issuing a second Gruffalo 50p in October 2019. This time, the design featured the Gruffalo alongside the cunning little mouse, capturing a key moment from the story.

The intricate detailing highlights the contrast between the imposing Gruffalo and the small but brave mouse.

Collectors had been eagerly awaiting the release of this coin since The Royal Mint teased a second Gruffalo coin a few months earlier. There was speculation about what might feature on the second coin, from the charming fox to the sly snake, but the clever little mouse was a welcome addition to the design.

Similarly to the first Gruffalo 50p, the Gruffalo and Mouse 50p was incredibly popular with collectors, and just shy of 100,000 Brilliant Uncirculated 50ps were sold!

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2024 The Gruffalo’s Child 50p

The brand new 2024 UK Gruffalo’s Child 50p celebrates 20 years since the release of the bestselling Gruffalo sequel, The Gruffalo’s Child. The design features the Gruffalo’s Child and the cunning mouse, bringing to life a pivotal moment in the story.

Secure your 2024 The Gruffalo’s Child 50p for just £4.99 (+p&p) >>