Children's character Zog is celebrated on Royal Mint 50p coins
The design features Zog flying, complete with tiny wings and a determination to earn a golden star at Dragon School.
The 50p joins the Mint's childhood characters collection, which also includes The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child.
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 author Julia 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.'
Zog illustrator Axel 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 character coins from the Royal Mint also 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. Its release on Thursday coincides with Zog Day 2025, celebrating the character's qualities.
The coin is available to buy from the Royal Mint's website in a range of precious metal finishes, with colour versions also available in Zog's orange hue. The range starts at £15 with colour version 50ps priced from £25.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
21 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Rarest Queen Elizabeth £1 coins enter circulation in major before major change
The Royal Mint has announced that the final batch of coins depicting the late Queen Elizabeth will enter circulation, as more King Charles coins are also released The last batch of rare coins depicting Queen Elizabeth are entering circulation in the UK today, the Royal Mint has announced. More than 23 million Queen coins are being released, with The Royal Mint saying the last of the Elizabeth II coins, dated 2022, are the rarest £1 coins in active circulation. The final release will coincide with 7.5million new King Charles £1 coins also entering circulation around the nation. The Queen's £1 coins will be the final ones bearing Elizabeth II's portrait to be released, as the Royal Mint begins the final stages of ushering in coins that feature the new monarch, King Charles. It comes after fears for the future of Buckingham Palace as William and Kate "make huge decision". READ MORE: Prince Harry's secret royal move speak volumes after 'peace talks' with top aides The Royal Mint said that the historic transition – with the dual release of almost 31million coins – represents a significant moment for UK coinage, as the nation witnesses the changeover from Britain's longest-reigning monarch to her son and heir on the £1 denomination. Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: "This release represents a pivotal moment in British coinage history. "As we release more of the King Charles III £1 coins into circulation alongside the final coins of Queen Elizabeth II, we're witnessing the physical representation of our monarchy's transition. This dual release creates an exceptional opportunity for both seasoned numismatists and those new to coin collecting." The Royal Mint is urging Britons to check their change over the coming weeks as the new coins will begin to appear in pockets and tills across the UK. Ms Morgan added: "Finding these new coins in your change could spark a rewarding hobby that connects you with the heritage, history and craftsmanship behind British currency." Since King Charles' coronation in 2023 and the subsequent introduction of his effigy on UK coinage, the 50p and £1 are the only denominations with Charles's portrait to have entered circulation so far. Nearly three million £1s with the King's effigy were released in August last year, with the coin featuring an intricate bee design on the reverse and are part of the Definitive collection, inspired by the flora and fauna of the British Isles. In total, there are around 24.7billion coins in circulation across the UK, with the King's coins representing only around 0.004 per cent of those, making his new coins highly desirable to collectors. All UK coins bearing the Queen's portrait will remain legal tender and in active circulation to allow a smooth transition and minimise the environmental impact and cost. The Royal Mint has made the circulating coinage for England of each of Britain's monarchs since Alfred the Great.
The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
Final batch of rare £1 Queen Elizabeth II coins released
The Royal Mint has announced the release of the final batch of Queen Elizabeth II £1 coins into circulation across the UK. More than 23 million coins bearing the late Queen are being introduced, alongside 7.5 million new £1 coins featuring King Charles III. These 2022-dated Elizabeth II coins are set to become the rarest £1 denomination in active circulation, according to the Royal Mint. This dual release, totalling almost 31 million coins, marks a historic transition for UK coinage, symbolising the shift from Britain's longest-reigning monarch to her successor on the £1 denomination. They represent the last £1 coins featuring Queen Elizabeth II's portrait to enter public hands. Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, underscored the significance, stating: "This release represents a pivotal moment in British coinage history. 'As we release more of the King Charles III £1 coins into circulation alongside the final coins of Queen Elizabeth II, we're witnessing the physical representation of our monarchy 's transition. 'This dual release creates an exceptional opportunity for both seasoned numismatists and those new to coin collecting.' The Royal Mint is encouraging the public to check its change over the coming weeks, as the new coins begin to appear in pockets and tills across the nation. Ms Morgan added: 'Finding these new coins in your change could spark a rewarding hobby that connects you with the heritage, history and craftsmanship behind British currency.' Since the introduction of the King's effigy on UK coinage in 2023, the 50p and £1 are the only denominations with Charles's portrait to have entered circulation so far. The King's £1 coins feature an intricate bee design on the reverse and are part of the Definitive collection, inspired by the flora and fauna of the British Isles. Some 2.975 million £1s with the King's effigy were released in August last year. In total, there are around 24.7 billion coins in circulation across the UK, with the King's coins representing only around 0.004% of those, making his new coins highly desirable to collectors. All UK coins bearing the Queen's portrait will remain legal tender and in active circulation to allow a smooth transition and minimise the environmental impact and cost.
STV News
a day ago
- STV News
Last batch of rare final Queen Elizabeth II £1 coins entering circulation
The final batch of Queen Elizabeth II £1 coins are entering circulation across the UK, the Royal Mint has announced. More than 23 million Queen coins are being released alongside 7.5 million new King Charles III £1 coins. The Royal Mint said the last of the Elizabeth II coins, dated 2022, are the rarest £1 coins in active circulation. The historic transition – with the dual release of almost 31 million coins – represents a significant moment for UK coinage, as the nation witnesses the changeover from Britain's longest-reigning monarch to her son and heir on the £1 denomination, the Royal Mint said. The Queen's £1 coins will be the final ones bearing Elizabeth II's portrait to enter circulation. Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: 'This release represents a pivotal moment in British coinage history. 'As we release more of the King Charles III £1 coins into circulation alongside the final coins of Queen Elizabeth II, we're witnessing the physical representation of our monarchy's transition. 'This dual release creates an exceptional opportunity for both seasoned numismatists and those new to coin collecting.' The Royal Mint is encouraging the public to check its change over the coming weeks, as the new coins begin to appear in pockets and tills across the nation. Ms Morgan added: 'Finding these new coins in your change could spark a rewarding hobby that connects you with the heritage, history and craftsmanship behind British currency.' Since the introduction of the King's effigy on UK coinage in 2023, the 50p and £1 are the only denominations with Charles's portrait to have entered circulation so far. The King's £1 coins feature an intricate bee design on the reverse and are part of the Definitive collection, inspired by the flora and fauna of the British Isles. Some 2.975 million £1s with the King's effigy were released in August last year. In total, there are around 24.7 billion coins in circulation across the UK, with the King's coins representing only around 0.004% of those, making his new coins highly desirable to collectors. All UK coins bearing the Queen's portrait will remain legal tender and in active circulation to allow a smooth transition and minimise the environmental impact and cost. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
