United Kingdom (Great Britain) Elizabeth II 50 Pence

History

50 Pence 2016, KM# 1371a, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Peter Rabbit

50 Pence 2016, KM# 1371a, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Peter Rabbit, Perspex block with a booklet inspired by Beatrix’s illustrations

50 Pence 2016, KM# 1371a, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Peter Rabbit, Perspex block for display

Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint

Description

The Tale of Peter Rabbit is a British children's book written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter (1866–1943) that follows mischievous and disobedient young Peter Rabbit as he is chased about the garden of Mr. McGregor. He escapes and returns home to his mother, who puts him to bed after dosing him with camomile tea. The tale was written for five-year-old Noel Moore, son of Potter's former governess Annie Carter Moore, in 1893. It was revised and privately printed by Potter in 1901 after several publishers' rejections, but was printed in a trade edition by Frederick Warne & Co. in 1902. The book was a success, and multiple reprints were issued in the years immediately following its debut. It has been translated into 36 languages, and with 45 million copies sold it is one of the best-selling books of all time.

Since its release the book has generated considerable merchandise for both children and adults, including toys, dishes, foods, clothing, and videos. Potter was one of the first to be responsible for such merchandise when she patented a Peter Rabbit doll in 1903 and followed it almost immediately with a Peter Rabbit board game.

Obverse	Crown, jewelry Diamond Diadem Person (king, queen, tsar etc.) Elizabeth II 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	Colorised Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Rabbit Character (book, movie, cartoon etc.) Peter Rabbit Image of Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit. The design incorporates colour printing, reflecting the watercolour style of the original illustrations. ‘The Tale of Peter Rabbit’ was the first of Beatrix Potter’s 23 little tales. This story of four little rabbits named Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail and Peter has since captured the imaginations of millions of children around the world, with Peter becoming the emblem of Beatrix Potter’s work. Generation after generation have enjoyed reading about the blue-coated bunny and his antics in Mr. McGregor’s vegetable garden. Engraver: Emma Noble PETER RABBIT en.
Edge	Plain