As the Royal Mint launches a Winnie the Pooh 50p coin, here’s other book-inspired collectables to buy OLD

From 23 September, Winne the Pooh fans will be able to get their hands on a commemorative 50p coin, created by The Royal Mint.

The classic stories written by A.A. Milne, telling the tales of Winne the Pooh and his friends, inspired the designs and are appearing for the first time in a limited edition coin series.

While it won’t be entering circulation, you can buy your own online as a keepsake piece to add to an existing coin collection or to start a new one.

In the run-up to Christmas, a Piglet and a Christopher Robin coin will be released to the public too, which would make the perfect gift for a fan of the books.

Available as a single 50p piece in silver, gold or a coloured version, each one is decorated with watercolour illustrations by E.H. Shepard. The coin depicts Winnie the Pooh happily sitting with a jar of honey, his favourite treat. As part of the series, you can also get your hands on different sized sets which feature other Winnie the Pooh-inspired coins, too.

With a limited edition run of 18,000 coins, snap yours up quick to avoid being disappointed.

As well as the new collection, we’ve rounded up other coins inspired by literary and film icons for children, from Paddington to Wallace and Gromit, to help you curate your very own library of commemorative coins.

You can trust our independent round-ups. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.

Winnie the Pooh

Fans of the honey-loving bear will be thrilled at the Royal Mint’s latest collection. As well as an individual coloured coin (The Royal Mint, £20) and gold and silver versions, the Winnie the Pooh-inspired collectables are available in a range of different sized sets, including a coloured set of three (The Royal Mint, £60) and a set of nine silver coins (The Royal Mint, £90) showcasing different characters.

Some of the coins that feature in this collection have yet to launch, but if you order the nine-coin set now, you’ll receive the first Winnie the Pooh coin shortly after purchase, then the rest will be despatched (and charged to your account) upon release. Coins inspired by Piglet and Christopher Robin can be expected in October and November, for example, while a further six will be released over the next two years.

As only 18,000 coins are being made, snap yours up quick, because once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Postage is free and with every purchase, you’ll receive a free coin holder so you can display them with pride on your mantelpiece.

Beatrix Potter

Peter Rabbit is perhaps the most well-known book series created by writer, illustrator, natural scientist and conservationist, Beatrix Potter, which follows the mischievous rabbit as he’s chased around the garden of Mr. McGregor.

The Peter Rabbit 2018 UK 50p gold proof coin and book gift set (The Royal Mint, £1,080) is a collectable you'll treasure forever and the hefty price tag reflects the limited availability of just 450 coins that you can buy.

The set includes the first coin in the 2018 Beatrix Potter Collection, a gold 50p featuring an illustration of Peter Rabbit, and an accompanying book that has an illustrated cover designed exclusively for the set. The perfect (albeit very special) gift for Beatrix Potter fans.

The Gruffalo

Last year marked the 20th anniversary of The Gruffalo being published and The Gruffalo and Mouse 2019 UK 50p brilliant uncirculated coin (The Royal Mint, £10) was one of the first coins of its kind to feature the purple monster with his brown mouse friend.

In the story, the duo join forces to walk through a dangerous forest with fantastical creatures causing danger at every turn.

As it’s uncirculated, you can guarantee you won’t see this very often, making it all the more special, plus its been made with a dinner finish and comes in packaging that folds out to reveal fun facts about The Gruffalo.

Wallace and Gromit

The eccentric inventor, Wallace and his trusted canine friend, Gromit, were created by Nick Park, and what originally started out as four short films and one feature-length film has since spawned numerous spin-offs and TV adaptations, becoming a firm favourite in pop culture.

Now forever commemorated on this Wallace and Gromit 2019 UK 50p brilliant uncirculated coin (The Royal Mint, £10), the design reveals the duo peering through the porthole of a rocket, and is a fun way to for fans to celebrate the famous duo.

There’s even the latin inscription “caseus praestans” on the surface of the coin, which translates to “cracking cheese”, as the characters are known for their obsession with the food.

Paddington Bear

This Paddington at the station 2018 UK 50p silver proof coin (The Royal Mint, £60) is a colourful keepsake for fans of the nation’s favourite bear. The character first appeared in the 1958 book, A Bear Called Paddington, written by Michael Bond and illustrated by Peggy Fortnum and other artists.

With a limited edition run of 60,000, the gold coin proved so popular it sold out, so don’t miss out on your chance to add this silver style to your collection.

As the first design in the 2018 Paddington series by The Royal Mint, it has a unique colour printed design that shows off the bear’s blue coat and famous red hat.

Iron Man

For fans of the Marvel comic book universe, in which Iron Man plays a leading character, have him immortalised with the Marvel Iron Man limited edition brilliant medal cover (The Royal Mint, £24.99).

With only 15,00 available, the coin was made in collaboration between Royal Mail and The Royal Mint. It features a striking comic book-style medal cover that depicts Iron Man in full colour with the iconic infinity gauntlet on the reverse side.

Alongside the coin comes an illustrated biography on the Avenger, with imagery from the Marvel comic book archives. Only 15,000 have been issued worldwide, making this the perfect gift.

For more on children’s literature, read our guide to the best kids’ poetry books that inspire and educate

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