To celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Gruffalo’s Child, the beloved character will be featured on a special edition 50p coin.
This follows the 2019 release of 50p coins showcasing her famous father, the Gruffalo.
Unlike regular currency, these new coins won’t enter everyday circulation but will be available for purchase from The Royal Mint in various precious metal versions, starting at £12.
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Axel Scheffler, the book’s illustrator, expressed his pride in seeing the Gruffalo’s Child honored in this way, while Julia Donaldson, the author, described the tribute as “wonderful.”
The design of the coin pairs the Gruffalo’s Child with the iconic “mouse in the woods” from the story, with some versions featuring color.
Prices for these commemorative coins range from £12 for the basic version to £99 for a gold edition. However, past Gruffalo-themed coins have fetched much higher prices on resale markets due to their rarity.
The Gruffalo series has achieved remarkable success, with over 18 million copies sold globally and translations into more than 100 languages.
Since its release, the series has garnered multiple awards, and the animated adaptation of The Gruffalo’s Child was first broadcast on BBC One in 2011 on Christmas Day.
Rebecca Morgan, The Royal Mint’s director of commemorative coin, remarked that the story of The Gruffalo’s Child has enchanted readers for two decades, making it a fitting addition to the Mint’s collection of coins celebrating beloved children’s characters.
The Royal Mint, one of the UK’s oldest institutions and the original producer of British coins, has previously immortalized other iconic figures such as Paddington, The Snowman, and favorites from Beatrix Potter.
