The Royal Mint has announced that Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit will appear on their commemorative £5 crown and one-ounce coins for the first time in a partnership secured with Penguin Random House.

"Peter Rabbit has had an exceptional adventure with The Royal Mint over the past five years," says Thomas Merrington, creative director, Penguin Ventures. "His appearance on the £5 crown marks a new chapter for our partnership and provides an exciting opportunity to showcase Beatrix Potter's original illustration in a creative new way."

Previously, Peter Rabbit and his friends have appeared on the 50p on a commemorative coin collection from The Royal Mint. Now, the character has hopped over to a new coin on the reverse of the £5 crown as well as silver and gold one-ounce coins.

Ffion Gwillim, the coin designer, The Royal Mint, created the design using original storybook illustrations, settling on an image showing the whole Rabbit family. 

"What I really like about this particular illustration is that it has a great narrative element," says Gwillim. "As a designer, I always look to tell a story, just as Beatrix Potter did in her unique and wonderful way. It was a lot of fun to revisit The Tale of Peter Rabbit. It's such a timeless classic and Peter's antics never get old."

The new commemorative coin features a scene of the Rabbit family from an early part of the story when Peter's mother warns him not to get into any mischief. 

"The £5 crown is truly a wonderful piece for collecting, with the larger surface area showcasing The Royal Mint's abilities as designers and creators of coinage," says Clare Maclennan, divisional director, commemorative coin, The Royal Mint. "It has also allowed us to capture the magical world of Peter Rabbit, which deserves the space to be able to tell such a timeless narrative. Peter Rabbit has been a key part of our commemorative coin journey, and we are pleased to offer him a new platform on a new denomination."

The coin is available as gold and silver Proof editions and a Brilliant Uncirculated edition, available from The Royal Mint. The coin will not be going into general circulation.