Beatrix Potter’s lovable rogue, Squirrel Nutkin, on a 50p coin

Completing the collectable series

This series that celebrates the wonderful world of Miss Potter continues following the popular coin featuring Peter Rabbit. This time, The Royal Mint has chosen one of the naughtiest of Beatrix’s characters, Squirrel Nutkin. The flaws of Beatrix Potter’s characters may get them into trouble, but also make them so delightful, and Squirrel Nutkin is one of her most ill-mannered. So many will have developed a soft spot for the cheeky little squirrel when reading the cautionary tale of how he came to lose half his tail. 

Now, the playful character is depicted for the first time ever on an official United Kingdom coin. Struck in sterling silver to Proof standard, Royal Mint engraver Emma Noble’s design incorporates colour printed elements, reflecting the watercolour style of the original illustrations. The coin comes with a booklet inspired by Beatrix’s own work and is presented in a contemporary Perspex presentation case.

This series that celebrates the wonderful world of Beatrix Potter continues following the popular coin featuring Peter Rabbit. This time, The Royal Mint has chosen one of the naughtiest of Beatrix’s characters, Squirrel Nutkin. The flaws of Beatrix Potter’s characters may get them into trouble, but they’re often what make them so loveable. Squirrel Nutkin is one of her most ill-mannered animals, making him a firm favourite among Beatrix’s fans. So many will have developed a soft spot for the cheeky little squirrel when reading the cautionary tale of how he came to lose half his tail. 

Now, the playful character is depicted for the first time ever on an official United Kingdom coin. Struck in sterling silver to Proof standard, Royal Mint engraver Emma Noble’s design incorporates colour printed elements, reflecting the watercolour style of the original illustrations. The 50p coin comes with a booklet inspired by Beatrix’s own work and is presented in a contemporary Perspex presentation case.

The value of the Squirrel Nutkin 50p for collectors and Beatrix Potter fans alike cannot be underestimated. The Peter Rabbit Silver Proof coin sold out in just eight days, which meant that The Royal Mint had to put a strict limit of three per household on this coin. The other coins had similar limitations upon them, though due to the lower value of the Squirrel Nutkin 50p Brilliant Uncirculated coin, they were only restricted to ten per household.

While the 2016 Squirrel Nutkin coins are no longer available to buy from The Royal Mint, there are several other silver Proof coins in the Beatrix Potter collection to enjoy today.

BEATRIX POTTER™ © Frederick Warne & Co., 2016