In 2021, the year that Her Majesty The Queen, Britain’s longest reigning monarch, turned 95, we mark the 95th anniversary of the first Winnie-the-Pooh book – and what better way to celebrate than with friends?
A. A. Milne first brought the world of the Hundred Acre Wood to life in 1926, when Winnie-the-Pooh was published, the first in a series of books that would become family favourites. Inspired by Milne’s own son, the stories followed the ‘expotitions’ of Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh. Accompanied by their gang of friends, they found adventure at every turn, as well as a few pots of honey!
The stories told by Milne championed exploration, loyalty and fun. The loveable companions enjoyed wandering around the woods telling each other stories, playing games – such as Poohsticks – or meeting up for a party. When times were tough, like when bad weather destroyed Owl’s home or Eeyore lost his tail – again! – the friends were ready to lend each other a hand, paw or claw.
Milne’s vivid storytelling was accompanied by E. H. Shepard’s detailed and delightful pencil drawings that brought the world of the Hundred Acre Wood and its inhabitants to life. In 2020, The Royal Mint launched its Winnie the Pooh and Friends UK Coin Collection, inspired by the stories and their charming illustrations, which began with a coin featuring Pooh Bear himself that was followed by coins featuring Christopher Robin and Piglet.
Each coin in the collection features an original illustration by E. H. Shepard that has been captured in fine detail and, as Winnie the Pooh is so well-known for his love of honey, each coin also features a buzzy bee, uniting the collection.
Now, as we mark the 95th anniversary of the first publication of Winnie-the-Pooh, three new coins join the collection. The first Winnie the Pooh coin for 2021 features the whole gang from the Hundred Acre Wood gathered together – the perfect way to celebrate this special anniversary. The next coin features Owl, the helpful – if a little talkative – friend, and Tigger bounces onto the final coin in the 2021 series.
Did you know?
In the same year that we mark 95 years of Winnie-the-Pooh, a very special person also celebrated their 95th birthday. Her Majesty The Queen’s birthday was on 21 April and we’re sure Winnie the Pooh would love to share a pot of honey with Her Majesty to celebrate both of these wonderful occasions!
Each coin is available in four editions, including a gold Proof coin, a colour-printed silver Proof coin – presented in a beautifully decorated acrylic block – and two Brilliant Uncirculated editions, one of which features colour printing.
Explore the collection and celebrate 95 years of Winnie the Pooh.
