Five Pounds 2021 Alice in Wonderland, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

At the time of decimalisation in 1971, the United Kingdom Crown coin (equal to 5 shillings) was redenominated as a 25p coin and pieces struck prior to 1990 - all the way back to 1818 - continue to be legal tender for that amount. The old denomination had been a regular circulating coin in the 19th century, but in the 20th century it became more of a commemorative denomination.

The Royal Mint continued issuing commemorative coins in the same format - using the traditional coin dimensions, but in copper-nickel. These were initially also denominated as 25 pence but the "Crown" was changed in 1990 to a commemorative £5 (five pound) coin, having the same dimensions and weight but with a face value twenty times as great.

The denomination is used to mark special occasions, usually royal in theme, rather than for use in general circulation. Although not circulating, these coins are legal tender.

This £5 Crown-sized commemorative coin is the first in a two-coin mini series by the Royal Mint commemorating Lewis Carrol’s classic book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

The Mint says about it:
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a truly original literary masterpiece and timeless tale made for the imagination. In 2021, Lewis Carroll’s story about an inquisitive young girl called Alice will be celebrated on a UK coin for the very first time. Created in collaboration with the V&A, this coin is exclusively brought to you from The Royal Mint’s Treasury of Tales. Made for both adults and children alike, Alice’s mind-bending trip into Wonderland is a classic example of literary nonsense, a popular form of writing in the mid-nineteenth century. What’s more, the book has never been out of print since its first publication in 1865.

Whilst Carroll’s words weave endless possibilities for our imagination, graphic humorist and political cartoonist Sir John Tenniel provided charming illustrations that helped bring the story to life - one of which features on the reverse design for this coin. This wonderful tribute to one of the most imaginative tales in literary history is a coin that can serve as a treasured keepsake for ardent fans of the book, or even the perfect "unbirthday" gift for a friend or loved one to start or add to their collection.