Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 50 Pence 2018, KM# 1552a, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Peter Rabbit
  • 50 Pence 2018, KM# 1552a, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Peter Rabbit
  • 50 Pence 2018, KM# 1552a, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Peter Rabbit, Perspex block with a booklet
Description

When Peter Rabbit appeared in the first of Beatrix Potter’s little tales, the mischievous blue-coated bunny was destined to become a star, going on to appear throughout the series. Ever since the Royal Mint began celebrating the life and work of Beatrix Potter in 2016, Peter has launched the coin range for each year, followed by other characters on their own coins. This is the third official United Kingdom coin from The Royal Mint to feature Peter Rabbit.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit is a British children's book written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter 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.

The coin has been struck in sterling silver, finished to the finest Proof standard and presented in a clear acrylic case for display and safekeeping.

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·2018
J.C

Reverse

Depicts Peter Rabbit just as Beatrix Potter painted him. Every detail, from his little blue coat to his long whiskers, has been captured on the coin’s small surface. It shows the iconic image of Peter Rabbit munching on radishes after another near-miss in Mr. McGregor’s garden.

Engraver: Emma Noble

PETER RABBIT
TM

Edge

50 Pence

5th portrait, Silver Proof Coin
KM# 1552a Sp# H53
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 8 g
Diameter 27.3 mm
Thickness -
Shape polygon
Sides 7
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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