United Kingdom (Great Britain) Elizabeth II 50 Pence

History

50 Pence 2016, KM# 1372a, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck

50 Pence 2016, KM# 1372a, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, Perspex block for display

Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint

Description

The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck is a children's book written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter (1866–1943). It was first published by Frederick Warne & Co. in July 1908. Potter composed the book at Hill Top, a working farm in the Lake District she bought in 1905.

Jemima is a domestic duck of the Aylesbury breed, whose eggs are routinely confiscated by the farmer's wife because she believes Jemima a poor sitter. Jemima searches for a place away from the farm where she can hatch her eggs without human interference, and naively confides her woes to a suave fox who invites her to nest in a shed at his home. Jemima accepts his invitation, little realising her danger: the fox plans to kill and roast her. Kep, a collie on the farm, discovers Jemima's whereabouts and rescues her just in time.

The book was hugely popular. Spinoff merchandise included a soft Jemima doll in bonnet and shawl, a Jemima painting book in 1925, and illustrated fabric placemats hand-fashioned by Potter and distributed to friends. Critically, the book is considered one of Potter's best.

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.) Duck Character (book, movie, cartoon etc.) Jemima Puddle-Duck Image of Beatrix Potter's Jemima Puddle-Duck. The design incorporates colour printing, reflecting the watercolour style of the original illustrations. Despite Jemima Puddle-Duck’s naivety, generation after generation have taken the unlucky heroine to their hearts, relieved when good old Kep the collie rescues her from the bushy-tailed ‘gentleman’. The iconic Jemima Puddle-Duck has been depicted on this, the first official United Kingdom coin to feature her character, and the very determined, if rather naïve, duck is instantly recognisable in her shawl and bonnet. Engraver: Emma Noble JEMIMA PUDDLE-DUCK en.
Edge	Plain