Two new commemorative coins mark 60th anniversary of character’s first book.
The Royal Mint has unveiled two new commemorative coins as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations for Paddington.
The first coin design – which features Paddington at Paddington station – went on sale yesterday (June 18), with the second design – which sees Paddington visiting Buckingham Palace – will launch in August.
Dave Knapton, coin designer at The Royal Mint, was chosen to immortalise Michael Bond’s much-loved character for the coin collection.
“I loved reading the books about Paddington when I was younger and felt a real sense of nostalgia as I was designing these coins,” Dave commented. “Paddington was part of my childhood, but now he’s being discovered by a whole new generation.
“I wanted to bring his portrait to life and show him in a very realistic environment, so I began with a modern train at Paddington Station, showing Paddington waiting patiently on his suitcase for his new life to begin.”
Anne Jessopp, chief executive of The Royal Mint, added: “It’s wonderful to be able to celebrate a character from popular culture as well-loved as Paddington Bear, and the 60th anniversary of the books seemed an appropriate time.
“I’m sure Paddington would be very honoured to be the first Peruvian bear to appear on British coins.”
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