2017 Queen Elizabeth II 50p Peter Rabbit Coin: A Collector's Gem

Hey coin collectors and fans of Beatrix Potter! Today, we're diving deep into a coin that's become a bit of a legend in the numismatic world: the 2017 Queen Elizabeth II 50p Peter Rabbit coin. Seriously, guys, this little 50-pence piece has caused quite a stir, and for good reason. It’s not just any coin; it's a celebration of a beloved character and a key part of a hugely popular series. If you're into collecting coins, especially commemorative ones, you're going to want to pay attention to this one. We'll be unpacking why it's so special, what makes it valuable, and how you might be holding onto a little piece of history without even realizing it. So, grab your magnifying glasses, and let's explore the charming world of the Peter Rabbit 50p!

Unpacking the Charm: Why the Peter Rabbit 50p is a Big Deal

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. What makes the 2017 Queen Elizabeth II 50p Peter Rabbit coin so darn popular? Well, it’s a perfect storm of factors, really. First off, we have the iconic character himself, Peter Rabbit. Created by Beatrix Potter, Peter is a literary figure beloved by generations. He’s the mischievous bunny who always seems to get into scrapes, and for many, he’s a fond childhood memory. Tying a coin to such a universally recognized and adored character is a stroke of genius by The Royal Mint. It immediately appeals to a much wider audience than just hardcore coin collectors; it attracts fans of Beatrix Potter, parents, grandparents, and anyone who grew up with these classic tales. This broad appeal is a massive driver of its desirability and, consequently, its collectibility.

Beyond the character, this coin was part of a significant series launched by The Royal Mint in 2016 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Beatrix Potter's birth. The 2017 Peter Rabbit coin was the second release in this incredibly successful series, following the original Peter Rabbit 50p in 2016. The Royal Mint decided to re-release Peter Rabbit in 2017, but this time with a slightly different design, specifically for the colour coin, which added another layer of appeal. The original 2016 Peter Rabbit 50p was uncirculated, but the 2017 version featured a brilliant uncirculated (BU) finish, and crucially, a colour-printed version. This colour-printed version is the one that really captured everyone's imagination and has become the most sought-after. The vibrant depiction of Peter Rabbit, hopping through a garden, makes the coin visually stunning and a joy to behold. It’s like holding a miniature piece of art. The detail in the colour printing is fantastic, bringing the character to life in a way that a standard coin couldn't.

Furthermore, the limited mintage figures for some of these special editions play a huge role. While the standard Peter Rabbit 50p (silver, etc.) might have had larger mintages, the colour-printed brilliant uncirculated 2017 Peter Rabbit 50p coin often had significantly lower production numbers, especially when compared to general circulation coins. This scarcity, combined with high demand fueled by the character's popularity and the series' success, naturally drives up the value and collectibility. It’s a classic case of supply and demand, and the 2017 Peter Rabbit coin is a prime example of how these factors create a valuable collectible. So, when you look at this coin, you're not just seeing a piece of currency; you're seeing a cultural icon rendered in metal, a piece of a commemorative series, and a potentially rare item for collectors.

Key Features and Design Details of the 2017 Peter Rabbit 50p

When we talk about the 2017 Queen Elizabeth II 50p Peter Rabbit coin, the design is absolutely central to its appeal. This isn't just a generic effigy of the Queen on one side and a random image on the other; it's a carefully crafted piece of art that tells a story. The obverse, as with all UK coinage, features the profile of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. For the 2017 coin, this was Jody Clark's fifth definitive portrait of the Queen, introduced in 2015. It depicts the Queen wearing the George IV State Diadem, the Victorian Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara, and the King George V and Queen Mary's descendant brooch, pearls, and earrings. It’s a regal and detailed depiction, as expected for the monarch.

But it's the reverse that truly steals the show, guys. Designed by Emma Yeo, the reverse of the 2017 Peter Rabbit 50p coin showcases a delightful, close-up portrait of Peter Rabbit himself. He's depicted in his iconic blue jacket, with his paws held in front of him, looking slightly mischievous yet endearing. What makes this particular 2017 version stand out, especially among collectors, is the colour printing. The Royal Mint applied vibrant, high-quality colour to Peter's blue jacket, adding a pop of colour that makes the coin incredibly eye-catching. This colour application is done with precision, ensuring that Peter looks exactly as he does in the beloved illustrations. The detail in the engraving, even without the colour, is superb, capturing the texture of his fur and the characteristic tilt of his head. The colour just elevates it to another level, making it a miniature masterpiece.

The coin is a standard 50p piece, meaning it has a weight of 8 grams and a diameter of 27.3mm. The material composition for the brilliant uncirculated (BU) colour version is typically cupro-nickel. The edge inscription is