- Circulation: N/A
- Year issued: 2020
- Value circulated: N/A
- Value circulated in excellent condition: N/A
- Value uncirculated: £10.00
- Composition: Cupro-nickel
- Scarcity index: TBC
Piglet is the third coin in the Winnie the Pooh set. The set commemorates the stories of A.A. Milne and the characters he created. Collectors will be keen to get hold of these as they are the first time the Royal Mint have created any Winnie the Pooh coins.
History of the coin
When the old 10 shilling note was retired, the 50p coin replaced it. This was because the UK adapted the decimal currency system in 1971, and new coins and notes were issued.
The 50p coin is a larger coin with 7 sides, so it is easily recognisable. The only change that has been made is that it was slightly reduced in size in 1997. The coin displayed Britannia until 2008, but the design has been altered to commemorate British people and achievements.
About Piglet
Piglet is a friend of Winnie the Pooh. They were created by A.A. Milne and the stories are enjoyed by children all over the World.
Piglet is a small pig and the character is based on one of the toys owned by A.A. Milne’s son. Piglet is Winnie the Pooh’s closest friend. He’s not very brave but he does help the other animals in Hundred Acre Wood in their daily adventures.
Like Pooh, Piglet has been turned in to soft toys, bedding and items for children. He is a very popular character due in part to his small size, and the fact he stands up to danger, even when he doesn’t want to.
How many Piglet 50p coins were made?
The Piglet 50p coins were only released as a commemorative coin, and were not issued in to circulation.
Design and Designer
The design shows Piglet sitting on the ground with a dandelion. A small bee is buzzing around and his name is printed on the coin.
- Obverse design:
Jody Clark’s most recent portrait of Queen Elizabeth II
- Designer: H. Shephard / Disney
In 1961, the rights to the Winnie the Pooh stories were sold to Disney. They still have these rights. The image on the coin is one which is owned by them, but is from a sketch based on the original illustrations by E.H. Shephard.
Born in 1897, Shephard was awarded an O.B.E. in 1972.
He trained in art and had successful exhibitions before the first world war. During the war he joined the Royal Artillery, and after being part of the Battle of the Somme, he began sketching maps for the Intelligence Service.
He had been contributing to Punch magazine throughout the war, and it was another member of staff there who introduced him to A.A. Milne. Shephard then began the illustrations for Winnie the Pooh and A.A. Milne was so impressed by them that he offered Shephard part of the royalties.
Variations
The Piglet 50p has only been released as a commemorative coin, and has not been issued in to circulation.
- Brilliant uncirculated colour coins are available
- 45,000 Brilliant uncirculated colour coins were produced
- 18,000 Silver proof coins were produced
- 525 Gold proof coins were produced
