Peter Rabbit 50p (2018)

Summary of Value & Key Facts

The 2018 Peter Rabbit 50p continues The Royal Mint’s Beatrix Potter series, launched in 2016 to celebrate the classic children’s tales. With a circulation mintage of 1,400,000, this coin is classed as less common and usually trades for a solid premium above face value, especially in nicer condition.

Core specifications and guide values for the 2018 Peter Rabbit 50p (circulating and BU).

By 2018, Peter Rabbit was already a rockstar of modern UK coinage. This design continues that streak, giving collectors another instantly recognisable “bunny in blue jacket” piece to chase – and it’s notably scarcer than many other character 50ps.

• Commemorative theme: Part of the ongoing Beatrix Potter 50p series celebrating the author’s life and characters. The 2018 Peter Rabbit coin marks the mischievous rabbit’s continued role as the “flagship” of the range, based on Beatrix Potter’s original illustration of Peter eating radishes from Mr McGregor’s garden.
• Design: The reverse shows Peter standing upright, clutching a bunch of radishes, with the inscription “PETER RABBIT” around the top. Emma Noble’s design leans heavily on the original book artwork while simplifying lines so the character reads clearly at coin size.
• Place in the series: The 2018 Beatrix Potter set also includes Flopsy Bunny, The Tailor of Gloucester and Mrs Tittlemouse. Peter Rabbit tends to command one of the stronger premiums of the four, thanks to his status as the central character and the relatively low 1.4 million mintage (joint-lowest with Flopsy Bunny for 2018).
• Rarity in context: With 1.4 million coins issued, this Peter Rabbit sits in the same low-mintage tier as 2018 Flopsy Bunny and below many other commemorative 50ps. Change Checker scores it at 44 on their Scarcity Index, which is firmly in “less common, worth pulling from change” territory.
• Circulating vs collector versions:
  • Circulated: Found in change, usually with some light wear and bag marks. Even in worn condition, it sells for multiple times face value thanks to demand from character-coin and Potter fans.
  • Brilliant Uncirculated (BU): Sold in Royal Mint Peter Rabbit BU packs and mixed sets. These show full lustre and sharp detail on Peter’s coat, whiskers and radishes – the preferred choice for higher-grade Beatrix Potter collections.
  • Silver / gold proof: 2018 Peter Rabbit also appears as coloured silver proof (up to 45,000 max mintage) and gold proof (500 max mintage) coins, aimed at more specialist collectors at much higher price points.
• Value behaviour: Guide prices have crept up steadily as more collectors chase complete Beatrix Potter sets. Large-sample data from Coin Hunter suggests:
  • Circulated: typically around £4–£5 for a decent coin,
  • BU in pack: roughly £6–£8, sometimes higher depending on packaging and demand.
• Collecting tip: For circulation finds, look for strong detail in Peter’s fur and coat, a clean “PETER RABBIT” legend and minimal heavy scratches across the central design. For BU or proof versions, intact original Royal Mint packaging and certificates significantly boost long-term desirability and make it easier to prove authenticity.

Overall, the 2018 Peter Rabbit 50p is one of the star modern character coins – low-ish mintage, huge nostalgia factor, and a tidy premium over face value without being out of reach for new collectors.