Gruffalo’s Child Honored on 50p Coins for 20th Anniversary

The Gruffalo’s Child is stepping into the limelight with a new commemorative 50p coin, celebrating 20 years since the beloved story was first published.

The brave little monster is featured alongside Mouse in a wintery deep dark wood setting, a design crafted using the original artwork of Axel Scheffler, the book’s illustrator.

A sequel to Julia Donaldson and Scheffler’s cherished tale The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child has become a beloved fixture in children’s literature and has garnered numerous awards since its debut in 2004.

The tale was also adapted into a short animated film, first broadcast on BBC One on Christmas Day in 2011.

This collectible coin will not enter general circulation but will be available in various precious metal finishes on the Royal Mint’s website. Some coins will feature colour in their intricate designs, struck at the Royal Mint’s headquarters in South Wales.

The release follows the Gruffalo’s previous appearances on two separate 50p coins in 2019, one showcasing him alone and the other with Mouse.

Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “The heartwarming tale of The Gruffalo’s Child has captivated readers since its release 20 years ago, and this year the curious little monster finds a permanent home on a 50 pence piece.”

“Brought to life by Royal Mint expert craftspeople, this coin captures the true essence of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved story in beautiful detail,” Morgan added.

Julia Donaldson shared her excitement, saying, “It’s wonderful to see the Gruffalo’s Child follow in her father’s footsteps by featuring on her very own 50p coin. I’m so happy that she is being celebrated in this way and I hope that fans of the book will treasure this coin as a long-lasting memento of the 20th anniversary year.”

Illustrator Axel Scheffler echoed the sentiment, stating, “I feel very honoured to have yet another coin celebrating the Gruffalo, and now even his offspring.”

Other beloved children’s characters have also graced coins, including a popular Beatrix Potter character collection, as well as Paddington and The Snowman.