The Northern Echo
Subscribe
Royal Mint
Leisure

Royal Mint releases new 50p coin to celebrate kids character

Andrew Smart Profile Image
By Andrew Smart Trending News Reporter
Zog was created by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler <i>(Image: Royal Mint/PA Wire)</i>
Zog was created by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler (Image: Royal Mint/PA Wire)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

The Royal Mint has released a new 50p coin to commemorate and celebrate the beloved children's character Zog from the creator of The Gruffalo.

The new coin marks 15 years since  Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s "enthusiastic" but "accident-prone" dragon first captured readers’ imaginations.

The design features Zog flying, complete with tiny wings and a determination to earn a golden star at Dragon School.

This coin joins the Royal Mint’s childhood characters collection, which also includes The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child.

The Royal Mint have released a number of cons celebrating kids charactersThe Royal Mint have released a number of cons celebrating kids characters (Image: Royal Mint/PA Wire)

Royal Mint 'thrilled' by new collectable 50p coin of children's character Zog

Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Zog onto an official UK 50p and as part of our childhood characters coin series.

“As the dragon who tries his very best – despite his mishaps – Zog represents determination and perseverance, qualities we can all admire.

“This coin celebrates a character who has become a firm favourite in households across the UK and continues our tradition of honouring beloved children’s literature on our nation’s coinage.”

Zog is fictional dragon beloved by parents and kidsZog is fictional dragon beloved by parents and kids (Image: Royal Mint/PA Wire)

 

Recommended Reading: 

Zog author Ms Donaldson said: “I’m delighted that Zog is being celebrated on a UK coin. When I wrote his story 15 years ago, I never imagined he would fly so far into people’s imaginations. Seeing our determined dragon on a 50p piece would definitely earn him a golden star from Madam Dragon.”

Illustrator Mr Scheffler said: “Drawing Zog with his big friendly face and clumsiness has always been such a joy. To see my illustrations transformed onto a coin is an incredible honour.”

Previous children's characters represented include the Snowman, Paddington Bear, and Wallace and Gromit.

The Zog 50p coin was created in partnership with Magic Light Pictures, the company behind the animated adaptation of the story.

Those wanting the coin for themselves can expect to pay anywhere upwards of £15.

Royal Mint
Leisure

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos