Mary Poppins is flying onto UK coinage once again — but this time, in a design inspired by the original literary version of the world’s most famous nanny. The Royal Mint has unveiled a beautifully crafted limited edition series of 50p coins, paying tribute not just to Mary Poppins herself, but to the charming original illustrations created by Mary Shepard for P.L. Travers’ beloved book series.
A Literary Legacy Comes to Life
While many fans know Mary Poppins through the iconic Disney adaptation, the original books — first published in 1934 — introduced readers to a slightly sterner yet equally magical nanny, brought to life through the elegant and whimsical illustrations of Mary Shepard. It is Shepard’s vision of Mary Poppins, rather than the Disney version, that inspired this new coin collection.
The design has been beautifully reinterpreted and remastered by Royal Mint product designer Emma Noble, who has combined Shepard’s graceful imagery with modern coin-making techniques to create a fitting tribute to the literary classic.
Available in Several Stunning Editions
The Mary Poppins 2025 50p coins are available in several limited edition formats, offering something for every collector — from casual fans to serious numismatists:
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Brilliant Uncirculated 50p Coin – Price: £15.00
This entry-level coin features the elegant Mary Poppins design in a Brilliant Uncirculated finish, perfect for fans and collectors alike. -
Brilliant Uncirculated Colour 50p Coin – Price: £25.00
With a limited mintage of 10,000, this version adds delicate colour detailing, bringing Mary Poppins and her umbrella to life. -
Silver Proof Colour 50p Coin – Price: £75.00
Limited to just 5,000 pieces, the Silver Proof edition combines vivid colour printing with a mirror-like proof finish, making it a centrepiece for any collection. -
Gold Proof 50p Coin – Price: £1,475.00
For serious collectors, the extremely rare Gold Proof edition was limited to just 55 coins, and has already sold out — testament to the strong demand for beautifully designed literary collectibles.
A Perfect Tribute to a Timeless Character
Rebecca Morgan, Director of Collector Services at The Royal Mint, reflected on the significance of this release:
“Mary Poppins holds a unique place in British literature, and we are delighted to honour her story with a collection that reflects the beauty and charm of the original illustrations by Mary Shepard. Emma Noble’s design brings this classic character to life in a way that will appeal to both coin collectors and fans of the books.”
Whether you’re a Disney fan who fell in love with Mary Poppins on screen, or a literary purist who cherishes the original books, this new collection offers a practically perfect way to celebrate the magic of P.L. Travers’ enduring creation.
Available Now
The Mary Poppins 2025 coin collection is available directly from The Royal Mint, with some editions already proving hugely popular.
To secure yours, visit:
🔗 The Royal Mint – Mary Poppins Collection
