The Gruffalo 50p
The Gruffalo 50p coin was released on Tuesday 19th February 2019 by The Royal Mint to celebrate 20 years since the publication of the book – The Gruffalo®
The coin was issued with Brilliant Uncirculated, Silver Proof and Gold Proof limited editions. It is not in UK coin circulation.
This is the first Gruffalo 50p released, a second Gruffalo 50 pence coin featuring The Gruffalo and Mouse was released in October 2019. The third coin in the series was issued in 2024 to celebrate 20 years of the books. See The Gruffalo’s Child 50p Coin.
Is the Gruffalo 50p in circulation?
No – sadly. The Gruffalo coin is a commemorative only coin and will not be entering general circulation.
How many 2019 Gruffalo 50p coins were made?
These are the mintage figures for the first edition coin.
| Coin | Mintage Figures |
|---|---|
| Brilliant Uncirculated | Unlimited |
| Silver Proof (LEP) | 25,000 |
| Silver Proof (MCM) | 30,000 |
| Silver Proof – Gift Set | 1,000 |
| Gold Proof (LEP) | 600 |
| Gold Proof (MCM) | 600 |
- LEP = Limited Edition Presentation
- MCM = Maximum Coin Mintage
2019 Gruffalo 50p Brilliant Uncirculated Coin
- Cased in a wallet, which opens out to reveal illustrations from the book
- Information about Julia Donaldson (author) and Axel Scheffler (illustrator).
- The first commemorative UK coin to feature the Gruffalo
- Don’t miss the chance to own this coin – you won’t find it in your change
- Presented in bright, fun fold-out packaging that recalls the story’s original illustrations
- Finished to Brilliant Uncirculated standard, highlighting every tusk and whisker
- A fully licensed Magic Light Pictures Ltd product
- A must-have for Gruffalo fans
Brilliant Uncirculated coin specification
| Denomination | 50p |
|---|---|
| Maximum Coin Mintage | Unlimited |
| Alloy | Cupro-nickel |
| Weight | 8.00g |
| Diameter | 27.30mm |
| Reverse Designer | Magic Light Pictures |
| Obverse Designer | Jody Clark |
| Quality | Brilliant Uncirculated |
| Year | 2019 |
| Issued | 19th February 2019 |
| Product Code | UK19TGBU |
| Price (on day of release) | £10.00 |
Gruffalo 50p Silver Proof coin
The Silver Proof 50 pence coin is SOLD OUT at the Royal Mint.
- Just 25,000 silver Proof coins are available
- The first commemorative UK coin to feature the Gruffalo
- This is the only way to own this coin – you won’t find it in your change
- Bright colour printing reflects the original story’s bold illustrations
- Presented in a beautifully printed acrylic case that places the Gruffalo right in the woods
- Household limit – 2 coins per household
- A fully licensed Magic Light Pictures Ltd product
- Cased within an acrylic block, just like existing ranges of Beatrix Potter and Paddington
- This block displays a colourful forest scene, which also features another key character from the story – Mouse.
Silver Proof coin specification
| Denomination | 50p |
|---|---|
| Limited Edition Presentation (LEP) | 25,000 |
| Maximum Coin Mintage (MCM) | 30,000 |
| Alloy | .925 Sterling Silver |
| Weight | 8.00 g |
| Diameter | 27.30mm |
| Reverse Designer | Magic Light Pictures |
| Obverse Designer | Jody Clark |
| Quality | Proof |
| Year | 2019 |
| Pure Metal Type | Silver |
| Product Code | UK19TGSP |
| Price (on day of release) | £65 |
What are the Gruffalo LEP and MCM amounts and what is the difference?
Limited Edition Presentation (LEP) refers to the number of coins presented in our Gruffalo 20th Anniversary packaging, whereas the Maximum Coin Mintage (MCM) is the total number of coins struck. The Gruffalo LEP is 25,000 and the MCM is 30,000, meaning there is an allocation of 5,000 coins available for alternative presentations.
There are no such things as monsters!
We normally tell children that there are no such things as monsters but families have embraced one special creature for 20 years.
The Gruffalo is the magical story about a quick-witted mouse and an unusual beast that has delighted children for two decades. In 2009 it was voted the United Kingdom’s favourite bedtime story.
Now one of the world’s best-loved monsters appears on official United Kingdom commemorative coins for the first time. There are just 25,000 silver Proof coins available in this Limited Edition Presentation. Each coin features bright colour printing and is set in a printed acrylic case, recalling the original story’s charming illustrations.
The Gruffalo 2019 Gift Set
Limited Edition 1,000
- Exclusively available from The Royal Mint
- The perfect gift for Gruffalo fans, old and new
- The silver 50p coin – features bright colour printing
- The coin, featuring the first design celebrating The Gruffalo, is presented in an acrylic block decorated with beautiful illustrations
- The set also includes a special hardback edition of The Gruffalo with a beautiful foiled cover
- A fully licensed Magic Light Pictures Ltd product
- Just 1,000 sets available
- Product Code: UK19TGGS
- Price on day of issue: £85
Gruffalo 50p Gold Proof Coin
The Gold Proof 50 pence coin is SOLD OUT at the Royal Mint.
- An extremely limited mintage of just 600 coins
- The first commemorative UK coin to feature the Gruffalo
- A true collector’s piece to cherish for generations
- Presented in a wooden case with a booklet on the modern classic
- The iconic Gruffalo is brought to life in 22-carat gold and finished to Proof standard
- A fully licensed Magic Light Pictures Ltd product
- Cased in a beautiful walnut case, within a carton showcasing The Gruffalo
- This product also features a booklet, taking the reader through the story of The Gruffalo
Gold Proof coin specification
| Denomination | 50p |
|---|---|
| Maximum Coin Mintage | 600 |
| Alloy | 22 Carat Gold |
| Weight | 15.50g |
| Diameter | 27.30mm |
| Reverse Designer | Magic Light Pictures |
| Obverse Designer | Jody Clark |
| Quality | Proof |
| Year | 2019 |
| Pure Metal Type | Gold |
| Product Code | UK19TGGP |
| Price (on day of release) | £795 |
The Gruffalo is a children’s book by writer and playwright Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, that tells the story of a mouse, the protagonist of the book, taking a walk in a European forest.
Characters from The Gruffalo book include:
- The Gruffalo
- Mouse
- Fox
- Owl
- Snake
We saw a coin for each character iwth the Beatrix Potter 50p coin series.
Does the coin feature the Artist’s initials?
No – The design is an original illustration by Axel Scheffler, and this coin is credited to Magic Light Pictures.
Gruffalo Colouring Book
Colour this coin, visit the Royal Mint Gruffalo colouring book pages with the free download so that you can print them out and colour them.
