2017 The Tale of Peter Rabbit 50p Gold Proof Coin & Book Set

Part of The Royal Mint's Beatrix Potter collection, this fifty pence coin is crafted from 0.917 fineness gold and features a lovable design of Peter Rabbit taking a stroll.

This release also includes "The Tale of Peter Rabbit book", with a specially made box encasing the set.

• Finish: Proof
• Presentation: Box and certificate, with book
• Fineness: 0.917 / 22 carat gold
• Total Metal Weight: 0.4565 troy ounces
• Diameter: 27.30mm

Interested in more coins featuring beloved characters around British Children's Literature? Shop our range here.

Who was Beatrix Potter?

Born in London, England in 1866, Helen Beatrix Heelis was an English writer, illustrator and conservationist. In her early years, she began her creative journey with sketches and writing in her diary, before growing her interest of the sciences, specifically botany and mycology.

In the 1890s, Beatrix would take holidays to the Lake District and Scotland, in which she would illustrate and write postcards and letters to friends and family. These trips are where the creative roots of her literature career began, as she told a tale of "four little rabbits whose names were Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail, and Peter.", on one of the letters written.

These characters soon grew into the story we now know as "The Tale of Peter Rabbit", published in 1902, the book was an instant success, growing into a series of 23 illustrated storybooks.

What is the Tale of Peter Rabbit?

The Tale of Peter Rabbit is a classic children’s story written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter. It follows the adventures of a young rabbit named Peter, whose mischievous and disobedient nature leads him into Mr. McGregor’s garden, where he encounters danger and excitement before eventually making his escape and returning home.

Originally written in 1893 on a letter for a young child, the story was later revised and first published in 1902. It quickly gained popularity and has since become one of the most widely recognised works of children’s literature, being translated into 36 languages and selling over 45 million copies. 

British Literature Coins

If you're interested in coins of other beloved characters from the pages of classic storybooks, our British Children's Literature page has a host of stunning designs to explore.

What is Proof?

Proof coins are specially produced to a much higher standard of finish than bullion coins, with multiple strikes for a highly-detailed design. These coins are not graded by condition but are instead defined by their method of production. Originally created as pre-production samples, proof coins now serve a prominent role in the collector's market.

Read more in our blog, What is Proof? An Overview of Coin Finishes.