The Gruffalo turned 20: A roaring celebration in silver...

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"A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood..."
With that simple, lyrical line, a bedtime classic was born.

In 1999, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler introduced the world to The Gruffalo, a heartwarming (and slightly hair-raising) tale of a clever little mouse outsmarting predators in the forest with tales of an imaginary beast… only to discover that the creature is very real. With orange eyes, a black tongue, and terrible tusks — The Gruffalo was instantly unforgettable.

Twenty years later, The Gruffalo remains one of the most beloved children’s books in the UK — and far beyond. To mark this special milestone, The Royal Mint released a spectacular commemorative piece in 2019: the 20th Anniversary Gruffalo Silver Proof 50p Coin.

For those unfamiliar, The Gruffalo is more than just a children's book — it’s a rite of passage for countless families. Translated into over 100 languages and having sold over 13 million copies worldwide, the story continues to delight toddlers, schoolchildren, and nostalgic parents alike.

It’s the kind of tale that grandparents enjoy reading just as much as the children sitting cross-legged before them. Its rhyming prose, charming illustrations, and gentle wit ensure that every reading feels fresh — whether it’s your first or your fiftieth.

In our home, it’s become a cherished part of the bedtime routine. My own children can practically recite it from memory, each word said with excitement and pride. And that’s precisely why, when I saw the 20th Anniversary Silver Proof coin released, I had to get one for each of them — a timeless keepsake to remind them of a story they’ve grown up with.

To honour two decades of The Gruffalo, The Royal Mint did what it does best — beautifully immortalised the story in precious metal.

The 2019 50p silver proof coin captures the magic of Axel Scheffler’s iconic illustrations, bringing the Gruffalo himself to life in vivid colour against a pristine silver canvas. It’s the first time the Gruffalo appeared on official UK coinage, making this release particularly special for collectors and families alike.

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 by Magic Light Pictures
• Presentation: Display case with booklet and certificate of authenticity
• Limited Mintage: 25,000

Each coin was struck to proof quality — the highest standard achievable — with meticulous care to preserve the fine details and bright colouration. The Gruffalo’s toothy grin, knobbly knees, and poisonous wart are all lovingly recreated in miniature.

This isn’t just a coin for numismatists — it’s a memory sealed in silver. A perfect gift for those who grew up with The Gruffalo, for new parents starting their own storytelling traditions, or for collectors of beloved British literature captured on coinage.

For me, seeing the delight on my children’s faces when I gave them their own Gruffalo coins was worth more than the silver itself. One day, they’ll pass these keepsakes on, perhaps reading the story to their own children and remembering those bedtime stories from years ago.

The 2019 Gruffalo 20th Anniversary Silver Proof 50p is more than just a tribute to a bestselling book — it’s a celebration of storytelling, imagination, and the magical bond between parent and child. In a world that moves too fast, sometimes a little mouse and a make-believe monster remind us of the joy in simple tales and quiet moments.

And what better way to honour that joy than with a piece of precious metal that will last a lifetime?