The Royal Mint is releasing a 50p coin to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the woodland monster and his friends. The Gruffalo’s Child will appear on a new commemorative 50p coin to mark 20 years since the story was first published.
The character will follow in the footsteps of her father, the Gruffalo, who appeared on 50p coins in 2019.
The new coins will not enter general circulation but will be available to buy from the Royal Mint in precious metal finishes.
The book hit stands in 1999 and was written by English author and playwright Julia Donaldson.
It follows the tale of a little mouse on a walk who deceives different predators, including the Gruffalo.
It has since grown to become a classic and has been adapted for both stage and screen.
The book’s illustrator Axel Scheffler said he was “honoured” that the Gruffalo’s offspring was being celebrated, while author Julia Donaldson said it was “wonderful”.
The new coins will pair The Gruffalo’s Child with the “mouse in the woods” from the story, and some will have colour in the design.
The Royal Mint, which is one of Britain’s oldest companies and the original maker of UK coins, has previously featured hugely popular children’s characters on its coins, including Paddington, The Snowman, and Beatrix Potter favourites.
The Gruffalo series has sold more than 18 million copies worldwide, and has been translated into more than 100 languages.