New Paddington Bear 50p enter circulation — here's what they look like
New 50 pence coins depicting Paddington Bear visiting the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral are set to enter circulation on Tuesday.
The Royal Mint, which makes all the UK’s coins, said the new designs would enter circulation at the Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant, South Wales, before being more widely stocked around the country in the coming weeks.
The two new coins are part of a series launched last year to mark the 60th anniversary of Paddington Bear, the iconic book character who was first created in 1958 by Michael Bond.
Nicola Howell, director of consumer coin at the Royal Mint, said: “Following the huge popularity of the coins featuring the much-loved bear last year, we thought it was only right that Paddington continued his adventures around London on UK coinage.
“Paddington Bear is a massive part of British popular culture and is a favourite amongst fans of all ages, who we’re sure will be looking out for him in their change, the first of which will go into tills in the Royal Mint Experience.”
Collectors are also able to buy the special edition coins from the Royal Mint’s website. The new Paddington coins cost £10 for a “mint condition” uncirculated finish coin and £850 for a gold coin.
News of the new Paddington 50ps entering circulation comes amid reports that chancellor Sajid Javid wants to mint millions of commemorative Brexit 50 pence pieces.
The Sunday Telegraph reported over the weekend that Javid is assessing whether the new coins could be ready to enter circulation by the 31 October Brexit date.
Former chancellor Philip Hammond had planned a limited edition of around 10,000 commemorative coins to be sold to collectors for £10 each but Javid wants the coins to be in mass circulation. The coins will carry the words “Friendship with all nations.”
