Peter Rabbit and he’s joined by three of his friends
The Royal Mint today announced that four new designs will be added to the Beatrix Potter collection for 2018. The Brilliant Uncirculated or colored Silver Proof 50p coins will be released over the course of 2018 to supplement the 2016 and 2017 collection that celebrated the much-loved author’s 150 th anniversary in 2016.
Peter Rabbit will be the first of the four furry characters available to be purchased followed by Flopsy Bunny, Mrs. Tittlemouse and a helpful mouse from ‘The Tailor of Gloucester’.
The 2018 collection, developed in collaboration with Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd (Beatrix Potter’s original publisher and today part of Penguin Random House UK) will once again kick off with a famously cheeky character from Potter’s books – and arguably one of the most recognisable children’s literary creations ever – Peter Rabbit himself.
The masterful, hand painted style of Beatrix Potter’s original illustration will be captured on the silver proof coins by vivid color printed designs. Capturing the blue of Peter Rabbit’s coat, the subtle red of Flopsy Bunny’s jacket and the pastel tones in Mrs. Tittlemouse’s dress.
Emma Noble, designer for The Royal Mint, was chosen to immortalise Potter’s much-loved illustrations for the 2018 collection. In addition, to the first Beatrix Potter collection, Emma has previously worked on coins commemorating the 60th anniversary of The Queen’s coronation, Remembrance Sunday, and King George I.
Anne Jessopp, CEO at The Royal Mint commented: “The Beatrix Potter range has grown in popularity since Peter Rabbit was first introduced onto UK coins in 2016. Since then, Peter Rabbit has been joined by a number of furry friends throughout the years. This year we are delighted to present another group of Beatrix’s characters, giving them a new lease of life on our specially-designed coloured commemorative coins.”
Thomas Merrington, Creative Director at Penguin Ventures (part of Penguin Random House UK) said “We are thrilled to be working on the third release of Beatrix Potter coins with The Royal Mint. The incredible popularity of the series has taken us all by surprise and we are delighted to add more beloved characters to this wonderful collection.”
Alongside the special-edition colored coins, the four designs will be hopping into the UK publics’ pockets and purses later this year as plain-metal circulating versions. Look out for all four designs in your change and put the coins in the Beatrix Potter 2018 Collector Album to admire the coins in one place.
