A SPECIAL set of new coins inspired by the characters created by Lake District author Beatrix Potter have been created.

The 50p commemorative coins, produced by The Royal Mint, have been finished in full colour and feature Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Tom Kitten and Mr. Jeremy Fisher.

The 2016 anniversary collection celebrated the author's 150th anniversary and gave pride of place on British coinage to Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddleduck, Squirrel Nutkin and Mrs Tiggywinkle.

Anne Jessopp, director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, said that the popularity of the coins 'exceeded everyone's expectations'.

"The coins sold out almost instantly as people raced to collect a complete set of the four friends," she said. "We’re delighted to be able to present another group of her exquisite characters, giving them a new lease of life on our specially-designed coloured commemorative coins."

The 2017 collection, developed in collaboration with Penguin Random House and Designer for The Royal Mint, Emma Noble, was chosen to immortalise the much-loved illustrations for the 2017 collection.

In addition, to the first Beatrix Potter collection, Emma has previously worked on coins commemorating the 60th anniversary of The Queen’s coronation, Remembrance Sunday, and King George I.

Each coin bears the fifth definitive portrait of The Queen by Royal Mint Engraver Jody Clark, of Bowness, and was first introduced to UK coinage in 2015.

Thomas Merrington, brand manager for Peter Rabbit at Penguin Ventures said: “We are so delighted to be working once again with The Royal Mint on a new series of Beatrix Potter coins. The success of the original range is testament to the incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail that Emma Noble achieved in her designs and also to the love and affection shown towards Beatrix Potter’s characters by the general public.

"We can’t wait to see which of the new character designs will be most popular.”

All four designs will find their way into UK publics’ pockets and purses later this year.