- Twenty-year tribute coin issued in Britain honors the twentieth anniversary of "The Gruffalo's Child."
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the popular children's book "The Gruffalo," the British Royal Mint is commemorating the beloved creature with a special coin. Published on September 3, 2004, by British author Julia Donaldson, the story was beautifully illustrated by German artist Axel Scheffler, who calls Hamburg home but resides in London. The book has captured the hearts of readers for two decades.
The 50 pence (approx. €0.59) coin won't be used in circulation. The design showcases the interaction between the Gruffalo and the clever mouse. Royal Mint director Rebecca Morgan commented, "The heartwarming tale of the Gruffalo has captivated audiences for 20 years, and this year, the enigmatic little monster gets a permanent spot on a 50-pence coin."
This isn't the first time the story has been memorialized on a coin. In 2019, two 50-pence coins were released, one featuring the Gruffalo and another with the Gruffalo and its arch-nemesis, the mouse. According to illustrator Scheffler, "I feel greatly honored to have another coin dedicated to the Gruffalo, and now even its progeny."
"The Gruffalo's Child" is the follow-up to the runaway success "The Gruffalo" (1999). In the sequel, the monster's daughter embarks on a quest to find the "big, bad mouse," the only creature her father fears.
People worldwide have been captivated by the heartwarming tale of the Gruffalo for two decades, as evidenced by its enduring popularity among readers. The commemorative coin released by the British Royal Mint showcases the interaction between the Gruffalo and the clever mouse, honoring this beloved children's book.
