Squirrel Nutkin 50p

Introducing the Squirrel Nutkin 50p Coin

Written by beloved British children’s author and illustrator, Beatrix Potter, “The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin” is Potter’s second tale. Written in 1903, her story follows Squirrel Nutkin, a naughty red squirrel that loses half his tail to Old Brown, the resident owl on Owl Island where Nutkin and his many cousins were collecting nuts. Like in most of her stories, the adventures take place in areas that are inspired by real locations. Owl Island is modelled after St. Herbert’s Island on Derwentwater. This Squirrel Nutkin 50p is part of a larger collection of Beatrix Potter coins released in 2016 to celebrate the 150^th birthday of Beatrix Potter. 

Squirrel Nutkin 50p 2016

The Squirrel Nutkin 50p coin is the second coin released in the 2016 Beatrix Potter 50p series. Designed by Royal Mint engraver Emma Noble, the reverse side features the red squirrel striking a cheeky pose, reminiscent of the image on the first edition cover of the story. Because the coin is struck to Silver Proof standard with colour printing, the fine details are more vibrant and reflect Beatrix’s original watercolour illustrations. The coin is encased in a protective clear acrylic block. 

(Caption: Beatrix Potter’s illustration of the squirrels setting sail on their rafts for Owl Island)

How Much Is the Squirrel Nutkin 50p Worth?

Only 15,000 of the Squirrel Nutkin 50p Silver Proof coins were released to the public. As of the end of March 2019, the highest price on eBay for a single Silver Proof Squirrel Nutkin 50p was £145 in an original black box and a certificate of authenticity. 

Other Squirrel Nutkin Coins 

The Royal Mint also released into circulation 5,000 base metal coins, as well as a Brilliant Uncirculated. There are a few variations on the presentation of the coin as well. There is a Silver Proof coin in a Black Case and a BU coin in tubes. The Squirrel Nutkin 50p is also presented with a special Royal Mail stamp, also featuring the character. 

Other Beatrix Potter Coins

If you’re a fan of Beatrix Potter, there are other 50p coins from the Royal Mint that commemorate more of her characters. Squirrel Nutkin is a part of the first series released in 2016. More Beatrix Potter characters became a part of British currency in 2017 and 2018 like Tom Kitten and Flopsy Bunny.