2019 The Gruffalo and the Mouse 50p Gold Proof Coin – NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo
The 2019 The Gruffalo and the Mouse 50p Gold Proof Coin was issued by The Royal Mint to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Gruffalo, the much-loved children’s story written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.
The coin marked a UK first by bringing the Gruffalo and Mouse together on a British coin. Struck in 22-carat gold to Proof quality, it has a Maximum Coin Mintage of just 600, while The Royal Mint’s published sales figures record only 443 Gold Proof coins sold.
This example is certified NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo, the highest numerical Proof grade awarded by NGC. At the time of checking on 8 October 2026, NGC records just 8 examples in PF70 Ultra Cameo with none graded higher, making PF70 Ultra Cameo the NGC Top Pop grade for this issue.
Why This Coin Stands Out
- Celebrates the 20th anniversary of The Gruffalo
- First UK coin to feature both the Gruffalo and Mouse together
- Maximum Coin Mintage: 600
- Only 443 recorded Royal Mint sales
- Struck in 22-carat / 916.7 gold
- Fine gold content of approximately 14.21g / 0.457 troy ounces
- Certified NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo
- NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo population of just 8
- 0 graded higher – NGC Top Pop grade
- Licensed Magic Light Pictures design
- Queen Elizabeth II obverse by Jody Clark
- Official 50p UK legal tender coin
Explore our wider selection of certified Gold Proof coins graded by NGC and PCGS.
20 Years of The Gruffalo
The Gruffalo was first published in 1999 and became one of the best-known modern British children’s books.
The Royal Mint began its 20th-anniversary celebration earlier in 2019 with the first UK coin featuring the Gruffalo. Later that year, the Gruffalo and Mouse 50p brought the story’s two central characters together on a UK coin for the first time.
The reverse depicts the Gruffalo and Mouse together and was created by Magic Light Pictures.
The Royal Mint described the issue as another UK first, with both characters appearing together on a 50p coin.
Maximum Mintage 600 – Only 443 Recorded Sales
The Royal Mint set the Maximum Coin Mintage at just 600 for the Gold Proof edition.
The Royal Mint’s subsequently published sales figures record only:
443 Gold Proof coins sold
These figures measure different things. 600 is the Maximum Coin Mintage, while 443 is the number recorded as sold by The Royal Mint.
The recorded sales figure therefore provides additional context when considering the original availability of this Gold Proof issue.
For more information about the difference between mintage, sales and certified population, see our Coin Population vs Mintage guide.
NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo – Population Just 8
This example has been independently certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) as PF70 Ultra Cameo.
PF70 is the highest numerical Proof grade awarded by NGC, while the Ultra Cameo designation identifies qualifying Proof coins displaying strong contrast between frosted design elements and deeply mirrored fields.
At the time of checking on 8 October 2026, the NGC Census records:
- PF70 Ultra Cameo Population: 8
- Higher Grades: 0
- NGC Status: Top Pop grade
The population of 8 relates specifically to coins certified by NGC at PF70 Ultra Cameo and should not be confused with the original Maximum Coin Mintage of 600 or the 443 recorded Royal Mint sales.
NGC population figures can change as additional coins are submitted for certification.
Learn more in our PF70 Ultra Cameo guide and Coin Population Report guide.
22-Carat Gold Proof 50p
The Gruffalo and Mouse Gold Proof 50p is struck from 22-carat / 916.7 gold and weighs 15.50g, equivalent to approximately 0.498 troy ounces in total weight.
Its fine gold content is approximately 14.21g / 0.457 troy ounces.
The coin measures 27.30mm in diameter and has the distinctive seven-sided shape of the British 50p.
The obverse features the fifth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark, while the coin carries an official denomination of 50 pence.
As official UK legal tender, qualifying gains made by UK individuals are generally exempt from UK Capital Gains Tax under current rules. Qualifying investment gold is also generally exempt from VAT in the UK.
Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and legislation can change. This information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute personal tax advice.
Images & Presentation
The close-up obverse and reverse photographs shown on this page are images of the actual coin offered for sale.
Images showing the coin within an NGC holder are digitally generated representations created for presentation purposes. The appearance of the holder, label positioning and other presentation details may therefore differ from the generated slab images shown.
The coin offered is certified NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo as described on this page.
Specifications
| Year | 2019 |
| Coin | The Gruffalo and the Mouse |
| Anniversary | 20 Years of The Gruffalo |
| Issuer | The Royal Mint |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Monarch | Queen Elizabeth II |
| Denomination / Face Value | 50 Pence |
| Metal | Gold |
| Fineness | 916.7 / 22 Carat |
| Weight | 15.50g / Approx. 0.498 Troy Ounces |
| Fine Gold Content | Approx. 14.21g / 0.457 Troy Ounces |
| Diameter | 27.30mm |
| Quality | Proof |
| Maximum Coin Mintage | 600 |
| Recorded Royal Mint Sales | 443 |
| Reverse | The Gruffalo and Mouse |
| Reverse Designer | Magic Light Pictures |
| Obverse | Queen Elizabeth II Fifth Portrait |
| Obverse Designer | Jody Clark |
| Grading Company | NGC |
| Grade | PF70 Ultra Cameo |
| NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo Population | 8 |
| Higher Grades | 0 |
| NGC Status | Top Pop Grade |
| Population Checked | 8 October 2026 |
| UK Legal Tender | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Gruffalo and Mouse Gold Proof 50p coins were made?
The Royal Mint authorised a Maximum Coin Mintage of 600. Its published sales figures record only 443 Gold Proof coins sold.
Why was The Gruffalo and Mouse 50p issued?
The coin was issued in 2019 as part of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of The Gruffalo. It was the first UK coin to feature both the Gruffalo and Mouse together.
What is the NGC population?
At the time of checking on 8 October 2026, NGC records just 8 examples in PF70 Ultra Cameo with none graded higher, making PF70 Ultra Cameo the NGC Top Pop grade for this issue.
What does NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo mean?
PF70 is NGC’s highest numerical Proof grade. Ultra Cameo identifies qualifying Proof coins with strong contrast between frosted design elements and deeply mirrored fields.
How much gold is in The Gruffalo and Mouse Gold 50p?
The coin weighs 15.50g and is struck in 22-carat gold, giving approximately 14.21g / 0.457 troy ounces of fine gold.
Is The Gruffalo and Mouse Gold 50p CGT exempt?
As UK legal tender, qualifying gains made by UK individuals are generally exempt from UK Capital Gains Tax under current rules. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and legislation can change.
Buy the 2019 Gruffalo and Mouse Gold Proof 50p PF70
The 2019 Gruffalo and Mouse Gold Proof 50p combines a Maximum Coin Mintage of just 600, only 443 recorded Royal Mint sales and an NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo population of just 8 at the time of checking.
View the current price and return to the purchase section to add the coin to your basket.
Availability is subject to stock levels and prior sale.
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