The British fifty pence (50p) coin - often pronounced as "fifty pee" - is a unit of currency equalling one half of a Pound Sterling. It is a seven-sided coin formed as an equilateral-curve heptagon, or Reuleaux polygon - a curve of constant width, meaning that the diameter is constant across any bisection. This shape, which was revolutionary at the time of its introduction, makes it easily distinguishable from round coins both by feel and by sight, while its constant breadth allows it to roll in vending machines.
The first UK Fifty Pence coin was issued in 1969 with the classic Britannia reverse design by Christopher Ironside, which was superseded in 2008 by the Matthew Dent design for circulation coins.The denomination is also extensively used to issue circulating commemorative coins.
Beginning in 2009, the Royal Mint started issuing 50 pence coins for collectors - such as this one - which are not meant to be released in circulation, so are classified as Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT).
This coin continues the great success of earlier commemoratives celebrating favourite children story characters, and is the third depicting The Gruffalo. It shows "a charming illustration of The Gruffalo's Child by Axel Scheffler, capturing the essence of the beloved character from Julia Donaldson's classic story".
Written in Julia Donaldson’s unmistakable verse and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, The Gruffalo’s Child is a firm favourite with the next few children’s literature fans who have only just started to settle down for decades of wonderful bedtime stories and have already memorised the first tale by Julia and Axel, The Gruffalo.
Published in 2004 and in time for the 20th anniversary of the first children’s book, The Gruffalo’s Child was celebrated with a new animated adaptation, captivating both audiences as they discover this timeless tale. The coin's reverse features an illustration of The Gruffalo’s Child just as it appears in the book.
No coins of this type were issued into circulation. | 
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