When is the new Benjamin Bunny 50p coin out? Release date, design and value
Benjamin Bunny is the latest cute Beatrix Potter character to feature on a commemorative coin
THE Benjamin Bunny 50p coin has now arrived and is the latest commemorative coin to be released by the Royal Mint as part of the Beatrix Potter series.
But when exactly did the coin enter circulation, what do we know about its design and the other coins in the collection?
When will the Benjamin Bunny 50p be released? What were the release dates of the other Beatrix Potter coins?
Benjamin Bunny is now on sale after being released on Monday September 4.
It can be bought from the, as either a £10 Brilliant Uncirculated version or a £60 Silver Proof commemorative version.
The collectors' versions of the Peter Rabbit 50p coin were released on April 3 2016, Jeremy Fisher on June 5 and Tom Kitten on July 31.
The general circulation versions of each coin are released in the weeks and months following the collectors' editions being launched.
Coin collectors sent the Royal Mint website into a meltdown on April 3 after the Peter Rabbit design went on sale.
Coin fans queued for up to an hour to get on to the and get their hands on the special 50p.
What are the Royal Mint Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit coins?
The commemorative 50ps include favourites Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Tom Kitten and Jeremy Fisher.
They have been created to capture the hand-painted style of Potter’s original illustrations, according to the Royal Mint.
The intense red of Jeremy Fisher’s jacket, the blue of Tom Kitten’s pyjamas and the green of Benjamin Bunny’s hat will all stand out on the Silver Proof coin, while the general circulation edition will still show the characters' cute features.
They have been released to mark the 150th anniversary of Beatrix Potter's birth.
Anne Jessopp, of The Royal Mint, said: “While we always knew that the Beatrix Potter characters would be a huge hit, the enormous popularity of the 2016 set exceeded everyone’s expectations.
“The coins sold out almost instantly as people raced to collect a complete set of the four friends.
“We’re delighted to be able to present another group of her exquisite characters, giving them a new lease of life on our specially-designed coloured commemorative coins.”
What are the different types of Benjamin Bunny coins being released and what do they cost?
Commemorative coins produced by the Royal Mint are released in different grades: two are designed as collectors' pieces and one that will appear in the general circulation.
The Silver Proof commemorative coin is made of silver and features an intricate colour design. It therefore commands a high price at £60 direct from the Royal Mint.
Brilliant Uncirculated coins are quality struck coins created in lab conditions that are also for collectors, priced at £10 from the Royal Mint.
Finally, Circulation Grade coins are put into the general circulation shortly after the release of the collectors' pieces.
Who is designer Emma Noble?
Royal Mint coin designer and engraver Emma Noble has bought the children's favourites to life with her colourful designs.
She has previously worked on pieces commemorating the Diamond Jubilee and Remembrance Sunday.
Emma has been at the Royal Mint for 20 years.
