Peter Rabbit 50p [2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 Designs]

The first Peter Rabbit 50p was minted in 2016. Such was its popularity that 3 more 50p coins were released in the following years. The coins commemorate the 150^th anniversary of the birth of Beatrix Potter and they are collectible as a set on their own and as part of the Beatrix Potter collection.

History of the coin

When decimalisation was introduced in 1971, the UK had to create and mint new coins. This process was started in 1968 when the 5p and 10p coins were circulated with the 50p coin being released the following year. The 50p replaced the 10 shilling note and was updated in 1997.

The Beatrix Potter commemorative 50p coins feature many of her famous animal characters. She created many illustrations while she was in the country and her stories were often based on her own pets or on other animals that she saw.

Peter Rabbit is one of her most popular creations so it’s no surprise he has his own coin.

About Peter Rabbit

The Tale of Peter Rabbit was Beatrix Potter’s first book to be published. The book was self-published and featured her own illustrations.

Peter Rabbit has 3 siblings, Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail. The bunnies are not allowed to enter the neighbouring garden which belongs to Mr McGregor. Peter decides to go in and eats some of Mr McGregror’s vegetables. He is spotted and has to escape but in doing so he loses his shoes and jacket. Mr McGregor uses these for his scarecrow, while Peter is punished by his mother and sent to bed.

The story has since been made in to a TV show and film and Peter Rabbit has been used to decorate children’s furniture and clothing and has been turned in to toys.

How Many Peter Rabbit 50p Coins Were Made?

• 2016 design: 9,600,000 were circulated
• 2017 design: 19,900,000 were circulated
• 2018 design: 1,400,000 were circulated
• 2019 design: This was a commemorative coin only and was not released in to circulation.

Design

All of the coins have their own design, all of which were created by Emma Noble.

Design and designer

Front Design

• 2016 coin: The coin has a design of Peter Rabbits face, with his distinctive whiskers. His name appears on either side of his ears.
• 2017 coin: On this coin Peter is seen running away in his little jacket. The wording around the outside is The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
• 2018 coin: This design shows Peter sitting down enjoying some radishes. The wording on either side of him is Peter Rabbit.
• 2019 coin: The front of this 50p shows Peter standing up with his paw to his face. His name is on either side of him.

Obverse Design

All Peter Rabbit 50ps have the 5^th portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, by Jody Clark.

• Designer: Emma Noble

Royal Mint engraver Emma Noble is the designer behind all of the Beatrix Potter 50p coins.

She has used some of Beatrix Potter’s own illustrations and engraved these with wording to create the designs. She uses her experience to decide which sketches will work best on coins and makes sure they are as close to the original illustrations as possible.

Her other coin designs include the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and Remembrance Sunday commemorative coins.

Variations

Obviously the 4 coins themselves are variations, but the 2019 coin will be the hardest to get, followed by the 2018 50p. Many people have spotted that Peter is missing half a whisker on the 2016 50p. This is not an error as all the 50p coins are the same.

• All 4 Peter Rabbit 50ps are available in Brilliant Uncirculated.
• All 4 Peter Rabbit 50ps were also minted as Silver Proof with a coloured design.