Benjamin Bunny 50p: Everything You Need to Know About the Iconic 2017 Coin
Introduction to the Benjamin Bunny 50p Coin
The Benjamin Bunny 50p coin is one of the most recognizable and widely circulated commemorative coins in the United Kingdom. Released by the Royal Mint in 2017, this coin was issued to celebrate one of Beatrix Potter’s most cherished characters, Benjamin Bunny, from the classic tale The Tale of Benjamin Bunny. As part of the second series of Beatrix Potter 50p coins, it holds both sentimental and numismatic value.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the Benjamin Bunny 50p coin, including its design, mintage, value, how rare it is, and what makes it appealing to collectors and the general public alike.
The Story Behind the Coin
The Beatrix Potter 50p Series
The Beatrix Potter 50p collection began in 2016 with a set of coins celebrating the 150th anniversary of the famous author and illustrator. The collection included beloved characters such as Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, and Squirrel Nutkin. Due to its huge popularity, the Royal Mint released a second series in 2017, which featured the Benjamin Bunny 50p 2017 coin among others.
Who is Benjamin Bunny?
Benjamin Bunny is Peter Rabbit’s cousin and a key figure in Beatrix Potter’s stories. He is often remembered for his playful yet mischievous nature. In The Tale of Benjamin Bunny, he teams up with Peter Rabbit to retrieve the clothes Peter lost in Mr. McGregor’s garden. This heartwarming tale of courage and childhood adventure made Benjamin Bunny an ideal choice for the commemorative series.
Design and Specifications
Artistic Features of the Coin
The Benjamin Bunny 50p coin was designed by Emma Noble, a well-known artist who also designed the other coins in the Beatrix Potter series. The reverse side features a detailed image of Benjamin Bunny wearing a large tam-o’-shanter and little coat, perfectly capturing the essence of Potter’s illustration style. The obverse features the fifth portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Jody Clark.
Coin Specifications
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Denomination: 50p (fifty pence)
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Year of Issue: 2017
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Material: Cupro-nickel
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Weight: 8.00 grams
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Diameter: 27.3mm
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Edge: Plain
Mintage and Circulation
How Many Benjamin Bunny 50p Coins Were Made?
The Benjamin Bunny 50p 2017 coin was released into general circulation with a mintage of 25 million. This makes it the most common coin in the Beatrix Potter collection, a fact that has both advantages and disadvantages. While it’s easy to find, its high availability slightly lowers its base value as a collectible.
Circulated vs. Uncirculated
Coins that have been in public use may show signs of wear and tear. These are known as circulated coins. In contrast, uncirculated or Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) coins are those that have never been handled and are typically kept in packaging by collectors. BU versions of the 50p Benjamin Bunny coin are often more valuable.
Benjamin Bunny 50p Worth and Value
How Much is the Benjamin Bunny 50p Worth?
The value of the Benjamin Bunny 50p largely depends on its condition and whether it contains any unique errors.
General Value
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Circulated Coin: Usually worth its face value of 50p.
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Brilliant Uncirculated: Can sell for £2 to £10 depending on packaging and condition.
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Mint Errors: Some error coins, such as misaligned or rotated dies, have sold for £20 to £60 or more.
What Affects the Coin’s Value?
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Condition: Mint or near-mint coins are more valuable.
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Packaging: Coins in Royal Mint packaging or presentation sets command higher prices.
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Error Coins: Rare minting errors significantly increase a coin’s value.
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Demand: Popularity among collectors can influence the price.
Rarity and Collectibility
Is the Benjamin Bunny 50p Rare?
Although the Benjamin Bunny 50p coin is the most common in its series, certain variations or well-preserved examples can still be desirable. It’s a coin many collectors aim to have in their collections, especially those building the full Beatrix Potter set.
Special Editions and Collector Sets
The Royal Mint released this coin not only into circulation but also in collector sets, which include:
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Brilliant Uncirculated Coins
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Silver Proof Coins
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Presentation Folders
These versions were sold directly through the Royal Mint and are more valuable than the coins found in everyday change.
Common Questions About the Benjamin Bunny 50p
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still find the Benjamin Bunny 50p in my change?
Yes, due to its high mintage, it’s still possible to find the Benjamin Bunny 50p 2017 in everyday circulation.
How can I check if my coin has an error?
You can look for signs such as rotated designs, doubled lettering, or off-center images. It’s best to compare your coin with an image of a standard version or have it appraised by a professional.
Should I keep or sell my Benjamin Bunny 50p?
If you enjoy collecting or already have other Beatrix Potter coins, it might be worth keeping. If you have a Benjamin Bunny 50p worth more due to its condition or errors, selling could be a good option.
Conclusion
The Benjamin Bunny 50p is more than just a coin; it’s a piece of British cultural heritage. Released in 2017 as part of the beloved Beatrix Potter series, it holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and fans alike. While it’s not considered rare due to its high mintage, its charming design, literary connection, and potential value make it a highly collectible coin.
Whether you’re new to coin collecting or an experienced numismatist, the 50p Benjamin Bunny coin is a delightful addition to any collection. Keep an eye out in your spare change—you might just find a little piece of literary history.
