Five Pounds 2021 Mr. Men - Mr. Happy, 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 part of a series of coins by the Royal Mint dedicated to Mr. Men characters and features Mr. Happy.

Initially inspired by the simple question of a child - "What does a tickle look like?" - the Mr. Men Little Miss characters have become some of the most instantly recognisable in the world. Featured in more than 90 books, as well as starring in films and TV series, their adventures have been translated into 17 different languages and followed by millions of fans. 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the question that started it all and the book that answered that question: Mr. Tickle.

Created by prolific illustrator Roger Hargreaves in 1971, the Mr. Men books and their ever-growing world of "Happyland" were an almost instant success. They were soon joined by the characters of the Little Miss series and the exploits of both remain incredibly popular to this day, encouraging children to read and helping family generations to bond.

In 1988, the role of Mr. Men Little Miss illustrator was taken over by Adam Hargreaves - Roger's son and the same inquisitive boy who had asked what a tickle looked like. Adam has exclusively provided the reverse designs for all three of The Royal Mint coins celebrating the characters' 50th anniversary.