Zog 50p Coin Marks 15 Years Since Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's Dragon First Captured Readers' Imaginations

The new coin marks 15 years since Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's "enthusiastic" but "accident-prone" dragon first captured readers' imaginations.

The new coin marks 15 years since Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s “enthusiastic” but “accident-prone” dragon first captured readers’ imaginations.

The design features Zog flying, complete with tiny wings and a determination to earn a golden star at Dragon School.

This coin joins the Royal Mint’s childhood characters collection, which also includes The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child.

The Royal Mint have released a number of cons celebrating kids characters (Image: Royal Mint/PA Wire)

Royal Mint 'thrilled' by new collectable 50p coin of children's character Zog

A new 50p coin to celebrate children’s character Zog has been released by the Royal Mint.

The coin is part of the Royal Mint’s Childhood Characters coin collection, which began in 2020 and has previously featured coins to celebrate Paddington Bear, Wallace and Gromit, and the Snowman.

The Zog coin design was created by the Royal Mint’s engraving team and features an illustration of Zog in mid-flight, as he tries to collect a star from the Dragon School’s flagpole. Zog’s clumsiness is evident in the small size of his wings and the fact that he is still on the ground despite his efforts to fly.

This coin will be available to purchase in two standard finishes: Brilliant Uncirculated and Proof. The Brilliant Uncirculated 50p Zog coin will be available to buy from the Royal Mint in two editions: a standard version and a special edition which comes presented in a Royal Mint capsule. Both coins will be sold for £10.

The Proof 50p Zog coin will also be available to buy from the Royal Mint in two editions: a standard version which will be sold for £60 and a special edition which will be sold for £150 and comes presented in a Royal Mint capsule with a certificate of authenticity.

Those wanting the coin for themselves can expect to pay anywhere upwards of £15.

The new coin was unveiled at an event at the House of Commons on Tuesday. It was attended by Ms Donaldson, Mr Scheffler, and MPs from both the Conservative and Labour parties.

Speaking at the event, Ms 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.”

Illustrator Mr 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 children's characters represented 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.

Those wanting the coin for themselves can expect to pay anywhere upwards of £15.