NEW coins featuring popular characters including Peter Rabbit will be added to the Beatrix Potter collection for 2018, the Royal Mint has announced.

The 50p coins will be released over the course of 2018 to supplement the 2016 and 2017 collection that celebrated the 150th anniversary of the birth of the much-loved Lake District author.

Peter Rabbit will be the first of the four furry characters available to be purchased followed by Flopsy Bunny, Mrs Tittlemouse and a helpful mouse from ‘The Tailor of Gloucester’.

The 2018 collection has been developed in collaboration with Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd (Beatrix Potter’s original publisher now part of Penguin Random House UK).

It will kick off with arguably one of the most recognisable children’s literary creations ever – Peter Rabbit.

The masterful, hand-painted style of Beatrix Potter’s original illustration will be captured on the silver proof coins by vivid colour printed designs.

Designer for The Royal Mint, Emma Noble, was chosen to immortalise Potter’s much-loved illustrations for the 2018 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.

Anne Jessopp, CEO at The Royal Mint, said: “The Beatrix Potter range has grown in popularity since Peter Rabbit was first introduced onto UK coins in 2016. Since then, Peter Rabbit has been joined by a number of furry friends throughout the years. This year we are delighted to present another group of Beatrix’s characters, giving them a new lease of life on our specially-designed coloured commemorative coins.”

Thomas Merrington, creative director at Penguin Ventures (part of Penguin Random House UK) said: “We are thrilled to be working on the third release of Beatrix Potter coins with The Royal Mint. The incredible popularity of the series has taken us all by surprise and we are delighted to add more beloved characters to this wonderful collection.”

Alongside the special edition coloured coins, the four designs will be hopping into the UK publics’ pockets and purses later this year as plain-metal circulating versions.