Beatrix Potter was born on the 28th July 1866 and 2016 marked 150 years since her birth
To quote ‘The World of Beatrix Potter’ Miss Potter was:
“An artist, storyteller, botanist, environmentalist, farmer and impeccable businesswoman, Potter was a visionary and a trailblazer. Single-mindedly determined and ambitious she overcame professional rejection, academic humiliation, and personal heartbreak, going on to earn her fortune and a formidable reputation”.
It was fitting then throughout 2016, that not only her birth but the many aspects of her life should be celebrated.
For example the National Trust celebrated by hosting special events, activities and exhibitions throughout the year, particularly at the venues that Beatrix herself entrusted to them.
Another National Institution – The Royal Mint also celebrated the Birth of Beatrix Potter.
The Royal Mint is a government-owned Mint that produces coins for the United Kingdom. Operating under the name Royal Mint Ltd, the Mint is a limited company that is wholly owned by Her Majesty’s Treasury and is under an exclusive contract to supply all the nation’s coinage.
The Royal Mint originally based in London, has been in operation for about 1,132 years (886 AD). In 1971 the British system of pounds, shillings and pence was abandoned in favour of the decimal system we use today. To meet the challenge of creating the new decimal coinage, Europe’s largest mint was built in Llantrisant 10 miles (16km) North West of Cardiff, Wales and opened by Her Majesty The Queen in December 1968.
At the beginning of 2016 The Royal Mint released the first Beatrix Potter Silver Proof Coin “Peter Rabbit”. A special 150 years Anniversary Coin was also introduced and in March 2016 they added “Jemima Puddle-Duck”, “Squirrel Nutkin” and “Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle” to the collection. These are special commemorative coloured silver proof coins. Standard coins depicting these same characters were released into circulation.
In 2017 The Royal Mint released coins depicting Peter Rabbit, Jeremy Fisher, Tom Kitten and Benjamin Bunny.
In 2018 The Royal Mint released the 2018 Peter Rabbit Coin together with Flopsy Bunny, Tailor of Gloucester and Mrs. Tittlemouse.
The coins were Designed by Emma Noble a member of The Royal Mint’s team of engravers and she explains the process when creating the designs
You can read an interesting article by Claire Schofield of iNews regarding the worth of each Beatrix Potter 50p Coin. (Opens in a new window)
Of their collection the Royal Mint says:
“The love of the writer’s ‘small books for small hands’ has been passed down through generations of readers, and we’re sure that families will enjoy these stunning coins for years to come in the same way. Discover the full Beatrix Potter 50p collection today”
