KEEN coin collectors can now get their hands on a new Wallace and Gromit 50p coin – and it could be worth a mint.
The coin features the cheese inventor, his loyal dog and the outer shell of the rocket ship that took the duo to the moon.
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It also comes with the Latin inscription “Caseus Praestans”, which translates to “cracking cheese”.
It’s being released by the Royal Mint today to celebrate thirty years since the popular double act was first shown on TV.
Sadly you won’t find the coin in your change as it’s not going into circulation but you’ll be able to buy it on the Royal Mint website for varying prices.
The cheapest, a “brilliant uncirculated” version will cost £10, and there will be an unlimited supply of these available.
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Moving up in price is the “silver proof” version made from sterling silver, which will set you back £65. There will be 25,000 of these coloured coins on sale.
Lastly, if you’ve got wads of cash to spare, you might want to fork out for the “gold proof” coin that costs a whopping £980 – but there are just 630 of these.
Coin experts we’ve spoken to were unable to say how much the new coins could be worth.
But previous 50ps featuring popular characters such as Peter Rabbit have sold for a whopping £840 on eBay – 1,650 per cent more than their face value.
What are the different types of coin?
THESE are the coins you can see from the Royal Mint:
- Circulated – these are the coins you’ll see in your shop change.
- Brilliant uncirculated – these coins are a higher standard than circulating and bullion coins. The machines used to strike these coins are polished and finished by hand.
- Proof – these are the highest quality coins produced by the Royal Mint. Machines used to make these are all hand-finished.
- Bullion – these coins are made from gold and silver and are usually used as an investment that aims to retain a certain value over time.
Rachel Hooper of coin collecting website Change Checker told The Sun: “We expect it to be highly collectable.
“Wallace and Gromit is a hugely popular subject and I’m sure that collectors will be eager to celebrate the 30th anniversary with this new coin.
While Colin Bellamy of the Coin Hunter website added: “As with all commemorative only coins like this one – on release it is worth about the recommended retail price of the item – until that item sells out or is discontinued.”
Nicola Howell, director of the consumer division at The Royal Mint, said: “Wallace and Gromit are two of Britain’s most loved characters, so we felt it was only right that we marked this momentous anniversary by giving them a place on UK coinage.
“The films are such a huge part of our popular culture and are loved by generations of all ages, so we’re delighted that we can be a part of the 30th anniversary celebrations.”
In October, a new Gruffalo 50p coin showing the beast meeting with Mouse went on sale.
A similar commemorative coin celebrating popular children’s book The Snowman was also released before Christmas for a tenner but it’s now selling for up to £16 on eBay.
Last month, a rare Peter Rabbit 50p coin sold for £621 on eBay.
