The Gruffalo and the Mouse: A tale of two legends...

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If you thought this enchanting tale ended with just a stroll through the deep dark wood, then think again...

Following the hugely popular release of the 20th Anniversary Gruffalo Silver Proof 50p earlier in 2019, The Royal Mint treated collectors and families alike to a delightful sequel: the Gruffalo and the Mouse Silver Proof 50p Coin. This second coin in the series didn’t just bring back my children’s, and the nation’s favourite monster; it added the brave little mouse who made him famous too, captured together in one beautifully illustrated scene.

For many, this follow-up release was even more special — it brought both central characters together, side by side, in a moment that perfectly symbolises the wit and warmth of the original story.

The Gruffalo, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, is more than just a bestselling children's book — it's a modern British classic. The tale of a mouse who invents a terrifying creature to avoid being eaten, only to come face-to-face with that very beast, has enchanted children (and parents!) for over 20 years.

The clever mouse isn’t just a supporting character — he’s the real hero of the tale. With his quick thinking and calm confidence, he turns fear on its head and outwits every predator in the forest, including the Gruffalo himself.

As a parent, I’ve read the book aloud countless times. It never gets old. The rhyme, the rhythm, the humour — and that perfect twist ending — are storytelling gold. So, when The Royal Mint announced the follow-up coin featuring both the Gruffalo and the Mouse, I knew I had to get it for my kids. They were thrilled to see both characters side by side on a coin they could treasure forever.

Where the first Gruffalo coin focused on the monster in all his toothy glory, the second design brings the dynamic duo together. Set within the forest clearing, it shows the mouse standing confidently before the Gruffalo — a scene straight from the book’s most iconic moment.

Rendered in full colour on sterling silver, this coin beautifully captures Axel Scheffler’s illustrations in miniature, right down to the mouse’s raised paw and the Gruffalo’s bewildered expression.

Coin specifications:

• Denomination: 50p
• Issuing Year: 2019
• Metal: .925 Sterling Silver
• Weight: 8.00g
• Diameter: 27.30mm
• Finish: Proof with colour printing
• Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark
• Reverse: The Gruffalo and the Mouse by Magic Light Pictures
• Presentation: Acrylic display case with booklet and certificate of authenticity
• Limited Mintage: 25,000

This silver proof coin is presented in a storybook-style case, making it ideal for gifting — or keeping as a family heirloom. The mintage was strictly limited, and it quickly became a sought-after piece for both numismatists and book lovers.

For many families, including my own, these Gruffalo coins aren’t just collectables. They’re memory markers. They're reminders of bedtime stories, giggles over silly rhymes, and that magical moment when a child learns that brains can be just as powerful as brawn.

Gifting my children this coin wasn’t just about adding to a collection. It was about capturing their love for a story that’s become part of their childhood. A tangible way of saying, “Remember this story. Remember this time.”

The 2019 Gruffalo and the Mouse Silver Proof 50p coin is a masterstroke in storytelling through metalwork. It’s not just a tribute to a children’s book — it’s a tribute to courage, cleverness, and imagination.

Whether you’re a collector of commemorative coins or simply a lifelong fan of Julia Donaldson’s magical world, this coin brings a little piece of the deep dark wood into your hands.

A tiny mouse. A big Gruffalo. And a coin that tells their story forever in silver.