HE is one of the most famous characters in children’s literature, much-loved and celebrated across the globe.
And now fans of Peter Rabbit can get their hands on more memorabilia in the form of a new commemorative coin from The Royal Mint.
The new 2019 design will see the cheeky rabbit appear on 50p coins wearing his trademark blue jacket and holding his iconic red handkerchief.
The Beatrix Potter character first appeared on coins in 2016 to mark the 150th anniversary of the writer and proved so popular he featured again in 2017 and 2018.
Nicola Howell, director of the Royal Mint’s consumer division, said: “Following the fantastic response to our previous Beatrix Potter collections, we’re delighted to be celebrating the timeless appeal of Peter Rabbit, one of the most-loved children’s characters, once again with our 2019 commemorative coin, giving fans the chance to add to their existing collections.”
The new 2019 design was developed in collaboration with Penguin Ventures on behalf of Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd, Beatrix Potter’s original publisher.
Thomas Merrington, creative director at the publisher, said: “The appeal of these coins is staggering and a testament to how beloved Beatrix Potter’s characters remain today. We’re delighted that a fourth Peter Rabbit coin will join the collection.”
The author’s Tale of Peter Rabbit is said to have been inspired by her trips to Dunkeld in Perthshire, where she befriended a naturalist who is believed to be the real-life Mr McGregor.
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