David Walliams 50 Pence Series Launched Oct. 25

Pobjoy Mint is excited to announce a stunning new series of 50 pence coins each featuring one of seven best-selling novels by internationally acclaimed children’s author David Walliams OBE which…

The first coin in The World of David Walliams 50 Pence coin series for Gibraltar features art from the books cover, by illustrator Quentin Blake.

Pobjoy Mint is excited to announce a stunning new series of 50 pence coins each featuring one of seven best-selling novels by internationally acclaimed children’s author David Walliams OBE which is being issued on behalf of the Government of Gibraltar.

The first coin in the series of The World of David Walliams™ features Walliams’ first novel The Boy in the Dress, published by HarperCollins Children’s Books - a story about a boy who isn’t afraid to be different. The design on the coin shows the image of the front cover from the novel and is available in copper-nickel diamond finish and proof sterling silver in astonishing color to match the original illustrations by Quentin Blake.

David Walliams has revolutionized reading for children and has become one of the most influential children’s writers today. Since the publication of The Boy in the Dress (2008), Walliams has seen unprecedented growth with global sales exceeding 45 million copies, and his books translated into 55 languages. Collectively across his titles, David has celebrated over 70 weeks (non-consecutive) at number one in the overall book charts and more than 200 weeks (non-consecutive) at number one in the children’s charts – an achievement no other children’s writer has reached.

The combination of Walliams strong storytelling and Blake’s whimsical illustrations has endeared this book to readers and the 50 Pence coin series carries through on that loyalty with faithful designs and packaging.

David’s publishing has evolved into one of the biggest multi-media entertainment brands in the UK today, engaging and delighting children across a multitude of platforms. The world beyond the books includes licensed product, TV adaptations, theatre productions, arena tours and most recently the opening of Alton Tower’s Resort’s newest attraction based on David’s perennial bestselling novel Gangsta Granny.

The 50 pence coin series will feature the following novels: The Boy in the Dress, Mr Stink, Billionaire Boy, Gangsta Granny, Ratburger, Awful Auntie and Grandpa’s Great Escape. The coins will be produced in copper-nickel Diamond Finish colored in a presentation pack and proof sterling silver colored with a box and special sleeve that includes the certification for the coin. The obverse of the coins will feature the Pobjoy Mint Effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The winning combination of Walliams story and Blake’s art have endeared The Boy in the Dress to untold numbers of readers. This card cover for the copper-nickel 50 Pence hopes to convey that same dynamic to coin collectors.

This first coin in The World of David Walliams series will have a mintage of 7,500 in colored copper-nickel and 1,999 for the colored proof sterling silver strike. This announcement coincides with the commencement of ordering, which began Oct. 25.

Recommended retail prices are $19.95 for the copper-nickel coins and $69.95 for the proof sterling silver pieces. Deliver for both The Boy in the Dress 50 Pence coins begins on Nov. 1.