Already this year we've seen the release of the Gruffalo 50p and a 50p coin inspired by the late Professor Stephen Hawking, who died in March 2018. And now, another new 50p has been launched, depicting the childhood favourite, Peter Rabbit.
Peter Rabbit was first introduced onto UK coins in 2016, to celebrate Beatrix Potter’s 150th anniversary, however, since then he has appeared on UK coins in 2017 and 2018. Now, the new design has been launched as a commemorative coin, and will not be entering general circulation.
The new Peter Rabbit design has been developed in conjunction with Beatrix Potter’s original publisher, and shows the cheeky rabbit in his trademark blue jacket and holding his iconic red handkerchief.
Although the new 50p is not available in general circulation, it is available in a variety of different forms including, a Brilliant Uncirculated Coin (£10), Silver Proof Coin (£65) and a Gold Proof Coin (£795).
Speaking about the new design, Nicola Howell, Director of the Consumer division at The Royal Mint commented, "Following the fantastic response to our previous Beatrix Potter collections, we’re delighted to be celebrating the timeless appeal of Peter Rabbit, one of the most-loved children’s characters, once again with our 2019 commemorative coin, giving fans the chance to add to their existing collections."
Now take a look at other special coins and money:
Special Money - coins and notes
1 of 14UK Crowned Shield £1 coin
Although they are fairly common, they can currently fetch around £3 - £5.50. They are one of the oldest £1 coins around having been minted in 1988, just five years after the £1 coin was introduced.
2 of 14Edinburgh City £1 coin
This was released in 2011 and is thought to be worth £12 - £16.
3 of 14Scotland's Thistle and Bluebell £1 coin
Even with a mintage of 5.1 million it is worth £3 - £5 to collectors.
4 of 14Cardiff City £1 coin
This coin features the Coat of Arms of Cardiff as the principal focus to represent Wales. It is thought to be worth £11 - £15.
5 of 14London City £1 coin
Although more common than the Scottish and Welsh versions it is still worth £5 - £8.
6 of 14EC and Kew Gardens
Dating back to 1992/3 this larger 50p coin (left) was issued to celebrate the British presidency of the council of Europe. No longer in circulation could be worth around £40.The Kew Gardens design was minted to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the foundation of the Royal Botanic Gardens. Only 210,000 coins were made and is now expected to sell on eBay for £70 - £100.
7 of 142011 WWF and 2012 The Offside Explained
2011 WWF design of the 50p (left) can often sell for around £200 to collectors.The Offside Explained 50p apparently regularly changes hands for around £10.
8 of 142012 Olympics - Swimmer
Early versions of the coin show the swimmer with the water covering their head, however later versions have the lines of water removed.According to eBay only 600 of the early version are in circulation, fetching up to £3000 when they were first placed on eBay.
9 of 14New fiver (£5)
The new £5 note was released into circulation on the 13th September 2016. Notes with serial numbers starting with AA or AK 47 sold for much more than than their face value.
10 of 14New tenner (£10)
The new £10 note, featuring Jane Austen was released on 14th September 2017.As before many with the serial number AA or AK 47 were highly sought after as well as those with serial numbers relating to Jane Austen's birthday, date of death, or date the Pride and Prejudice was first published.
11 of 14Peter Rabbit 50p
The Peter Rabbit collectable coin is available to buy from the Royal Mint.
12 of 14Benjamin Bunny 50p
Benjamin Bunny was released earlier this year (2017).
13 of 14Tom Kitten 50p
Tom Kitten was released earlier this year (2017).
14 of 14Jeremy Fisher 50p
Jeremy Fisher was released earlier this year (2017).
This latest 50p to be announced follows on from a number of new designs in recent years inspired by, Stephen Hawking, The Gruffalo, Paddington Bear, and The Snowman.
If you’re a sucker for the Spice Girls and love a bit of One Direction, you need heat Radio in your life. We’re online at heatradio.com. You can still get us on the free app on your Android, iPhone or tablet. Tune in on Freeview channel 716 on the telly or get us on your smart speaker by asking it to “play heat radio.”