Special commemorative 50p launches to mark 20th anniversary of the brand.
Magic Light Pictures and The Gruffalo have teamed up with The Royal Mint for the launch of a special commemorative 50p coin to mark 20 years of the brand.
Marking The Gruffalo’s first ever appearance on a coin, the new collection of Gold proof, Silver proof and Brilliant Uncirculated coins feature the distinctive profile of the family favourite, with the Silver proof coloured coin expected to be particularly highly collectable.
Capturing the iconic orange eyes, thick brown fur and unusual purple prickles of The Gruffalo, the coin is issued in a limited run of 25,000.
The commemorative coins – which won’t be entering general circulation – are available from www.royalmint.com with prices starting from £10.
The Royal Mint coins are the latest initiative in a year-long celebration of the 20th anniversary of the publication of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s enduringly popular illustrated children’s book, which has sold more than 13.5 million copies worldwide.
Other activity across the year includes the Global Gruffalo campaign, a collaboration with the Horsham District Year of Culture of which Julia Donaldson is this year’s patron, that sees 20 cuddly Gruffalos let loose around the world; special anniversary Forestry Commission picnic parties; bespoke activity at Chessington World of Adventures; open-air cinema mini festivals with Luna Cinema; special retail activity at major retailers; live events; a pop up shop; and more.
“It’s wonderful for The Gruffalo’s 20th anniversary to be commemorated in this way by The Royal Mint,” said Daryl Shute, brand director at Magic Light Pictures. “To be one of the youngest characters ever captured in precious metals is such an honour and testament to the strength and longevity of this modern classic.”
Nicola Howell, director of consumer at The Royal Mint, added: “Over the last 20 years The Gruffalo has become one of the most famous children’s characters in the world.
“We felt it was only right, as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the book being published, to feature him on a commemorative coin. We hope that children and adults across the UK will love this family favourite as much as we do.”
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