The tale of a farewell – The 2020 Peter Rabbit silver proof 50p coin...
After years of delighting collectors and fans alike, The Royal Mint’s charming Peter Rabbit series came to a close in 2020 with one final 50p coin — a graceful goodbye to Beatrix Potter’s cheekiest little bunny. Struck in sterling silver to the highest proof standard, this limited-edition coin is a tribute not only to Peter himself, but to a series that has helped introduce numismatics to a whole new generation.
Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit, first published in 1902, has enchanted children and parents for over a century. With his blue jacket, floppy ears, and unshakable curiosity, Peter Rabbit’s adventures — and frequent misadventures — have become a staple of British childhoods.
The Royal Mint first honoured Potter’s world in 2016, celebrating 150 years since her birth. Over the next five years, fans were treated to an ever-growing collection of coins featuring Peter, his family, and his friends — from Jemima Puddle-Duck to Tom Kitten and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle. But in 2020, the curtain fell on the series with one final design dedicated solely to Peter.
The 2020 Peter Rabbit coin was designed by Emma Noble, who had worked on every coin in the Beatrix Potter collection. For this final design, she chose to depict Peter in a moment of calm mischief: standing upright, alert, and ready for whatever scrapes might come his way.
Rendered in full colour on sterling silver, Peter’s blue coat stands out vividly against the frosted proof finish of the coin, making him look almost like he’s ready to hop straight out of the design and into Mr. McGregor’s garden one last time.
- Denomination: 50p
- Year of Issue: 2020
- Metal: .925 Sterling Silver
- Weight: 8.00g
- Diameter: 27.30mm
- Finish: Proof
- Reverse Designer: Emma Noble
- Obverse Designer: Jody Clark (featuring Queen Elizabeth II)
- Presentation: Housed in a premium display box with a themed booklet about Peter Rabbit
- Limited Edition: 14,500 worldwide
This coin isn’t just a collector’s piece — it’s a keepsake filled with memories. For families like mine, Beatrix Potter’s stories have been a quiet constant at bedtime, with well-thumbed pages and bunny-eared (pun intended!) books passed down from sibling to sibling.
When the 2020 Peter Rabbit silver coin was released, I made sure to buy one for each of my children — not just to honour the end of the series, but to give them something lasting and tangible from these magical early years. Years from now, when the books have faded and the toys have long since been given away, these little silver coins will still be around, a sparkling reminder of their childhood favourites.
The 2020 Peter Rabbit Silver Proof 50p is a heartfelt finale to one of The Royal Mint’s most beloved series. With exquisite craftsmanship, a meaningful design, and a place in the hearts of millions, it’s more than just a coin — it’s the closing chapter of a modern numismatic fairy tale.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply someone who grew up with Peter’s adventures, this coin is a beautiful way to say thank you — and goodbye — to the bunny who hopped his way into our homes and hearts.
