Gruffalo's Child 50p coin error means it is worth up to £43

Coin experts have pointed out that the Gruffalo Child on the coin has less toes compared to the original version

A detail on the new Gruffalo’s Child 50p coin has been spotted by eagle-eyed coin collectors - and it could make the coin worth up to £43.

The Royal Mint yesterday unveiled a special 50p coin to mark the 20th anniversary of the beloved children's book The Gruffalo's Child.

But coin experts have pointed out that the Gruffalo Child on the coin has less toes compared to the original version.

It appears the Gruffalo Child on the new coin has three toes on each foot, whereas the one in the animated film and book has four toes on each foot.

A post published on the Coin Hunter Facebook page reads: "In the book and the film, The Gruffalo's child has 4 toes and claws on each foot with footprints showing indents of 4 toe / claw marks in the snow.

"Whilst the coin itself features an image taken from a page in the book, it has been slightly amended for the coin design – to show the feet that were covered by snow and 5 footprints in the snow that were not in front of The Gruffalo's child in the original illustration.

"The feet only show 6 claws, whilst this could simply be down to the view angle (where 2 of the 8 claws seen in the original drawings could be hidden) – on close inspection, it does appear that the Gruffalo’s child featuring on this coin, does only have 3 toes on each foot."

The new coin is available in a range of finishes, including brilliant uncirculated, silver proof and gold proof.

The brilliant uncirculated 50p coin is available for £7.95 from The Royal Mint website, while the silver proof 50p coin costs £67.50 and the gold proof 50p coin is priced at £1,220.

However, the 50p coin is already being sold on eBay for up to £43.

One eBay listing for the brilliant uncirculated 50p coin shows it being sold for £42.99.

The listing reads: "Brand new brilliant uncirculated Gruffalo's Child 50p.

"Fresh out of the mint and into my hands, I can now offer these coins for sale.

"The coin will come in a protective capsule and will be posted first class."

Another eBay listing shows the brilliant uncirculated 50p coin being sold for £34.99.

The listing reads: "The Gruffalo's Child 50p Brilliant Uncirculated Fresh From The Royal Mint.

"This coin is fresh from the Royal Mint and is in Brilliant Uncirculated condition.

"The coin will be posted first class in a protective capsule."

The Gruffalo's Child 50p coin is the latest in a series of children's literature character coins released by The Royal Mint.

Previous coins in the series have featured The Gruffalo, Peter Rabbit, Paddington Bear and Winnie-the-Pooh.

Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: “The heartwarming tale of The Gruffalo’s Child has captivated readers since its release 20 years ago, and this year the curious little monster finds a permanent home on a 50 pence piece.

"Brought to life by Royal Mint expert craftspeople, this coin captures the true essence of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved story in beautiful detail.”

Julia Donaldson said: “It’s wonderful to see the Gruffalo’s Child follow in her father’s footsteps by featuring on her very own 50p coin.

"I'm so happy that she is being celebrated in this way and I hope that fans of the book will treasure this coin as a long-lasting memento of the 20th anniversary year.”

Axel Scheffler said: “I feel very honoured to have yet another coin celebrating the Gruffalo, and now even his offspring.”