Published 9th June 2026

From Clay to Coin: The Royal Mint Celebates 50 Years of Aardman with a 50P

Cracking news, Gromit! The Royal Mint today announces the launch of a collectable 50p coin celebrating 50 years of Aardman.

To mark the occasion, Aardman Co-Founder Peter Lord visited The Royal Mint to strike one of the very first 50p coins and he didn't come alone. Morph, one of the most iconic and beloved characters in British television history, made the trip too, making for a fitting moment as two great British institutions came together to celebrate half a century of Aardman's extraordinary creativity.

From the universally beloved exploits of Wallace and Gromit to the timeless antics of Morph and Chas and the farmyard hijinks of Shaun the Sheep and Timmy, Aardman has been turning clay into gold since its first production in 1976, becoming a British institution in the process. This official release, produced in partnership with Aardman, marks our milestone 50th anniversary.

The tails side of the coin, designed by Aardman, features some of the most recognisable characters from the studio's vast back catalogue. The design includes Morph, Shaun the Sheep, Feathers McGraw and, of course, Wallace and Gromit. A selection of the coins will also feature colour, bringing each character to life on metal. At the centre of the design is the Aardman logo and star as a special nod to the studio’s 50th anniversary.

Rebecca Morgan, Director at The Royal Mint, said, "Aardman characters have been part of the fabric of British life for fifty years, and the nostalgia they carry is truly extraordinary. Whether you grew up watching Wallace and Gromit on Christmas Day, fell in love with Morph as a child, or introduced Shaun the Sheep to a new generation, these characters hold a very special place in people's hearts. To honour that legacy on a collectable 50p coin for the very first time feels genuinely momentous and we think it's, well, quite simply crackers not to own one. This is one of those coins that fans will treasure not just as a collectable, but as a celebration of something that has brought so much joy to so many people."

Peter Lord, Co-founder and Creative Director at Aardman, said, "I’m very proud that the story of Aardman, and the characters we’ve created over the last fifty years, are being celebrated by the work of the Royal Mint. It was such a pleasure to visit and see for myself, close-up, the amazing care and artistry that goes into making these beautiful coins. In fact, the whole place reminded me of the Aardman studio - both are full of super-talented artists and craftspeople creating timeless work. We love to bring pleasure and fun to our audiences, and these fabulous coins surely represent that joyous spirit."

The gold version of the Aardman 50p will be produced from recycled gold, marking the first time a gold commemorative coin has been made available individually from recycled gold. The gold has been recycled from old jewellery and coins, representing a significant milestone in The Royal Mint's commitment to using sustainably sourced precious metals. The Royal Mint aims to extend this approach to all of its collectable gold coins by the end of 2026.

The coin launches at 9am on 9 June 2026 and is available to purchase from www.royalmint.com. Collectors can also strike their own Aardman 50p from 3 August to 5 October, with a mini exhibition celebrating 50 years of Aardman on display at The Royal Mint Experience from 3 August to 13 September.