Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 50 Pence 2016, KM# 1374, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle
  • 50 Pence 2016, KM# 1374, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle
  • 50 Pence 2016, KM# 1374, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle
Description

The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle is a children's book written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter (1866–1943). It was published by Frederick Warne & Co. in October 1905. Mrs. Tiggy-winkle is a hedgehog washerwoman who lives in a tiny cottage in the fells of the Lake District. A child named Lucie happens upon the cottage and stays for tea. The two deliver freshly laundered clothing to the animals and birds in the neighbourhood. Potter thought the book would be best enjoyed by girls, and, like most girls' books of the period, it is set indoors with a focus on housework.

Mrs. Tiggy-winkle has been described as one of Potter's most positive creations, but critics consider Lucie an artistic failure. Although Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle is set in an identifiable place and time period, the tale is mythologized by reaching back to an age when household chores were performed manually and without the aid of modern mechanical inventions. The simple dwellings, rustic pathways, and stone fences enhance the tale's timeless aspect and suggest an unchanging countryside and its way of life.

Obverse

The fifth crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem and drop earrings.

The George IV State Diadem, officially the Diamond Diadem, is a type of crown that was made in 1820 for King George IV. The diadem is worn by queens and queens consort in procession to coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The piece of jewellery has been featured in paintings and on stamps and currency. It can be seen in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FIDEI DEFENSATRIX means Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen and Defender of the Faith.

Engraver: Jody Clark

·ELIZABETH II·D·G·REG·F·D·50 PENCE·2016
J.C

Reverse

Image of Beatrix Potter's Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle.

Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, dressed in gown and petticoats, a prickly washerwoman. More than 100 years after her story was first published, she still captures the hearts of readers today.

Engraver: Emma Noble

MRS. TIGGY-WINKLE
en.

Edge
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Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 8 g
Diameter 27.3 mm
Thickness -
Shape polygon
Sides 7
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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