12 July 2021
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The Royal Mint has unveiled the first official Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland coin collection inspired by the much-loved illustrations of the original book.
In collaboration with the Victoria and Albert Museum, the special £5 crown featuring Alice and the Cheshire Cat was revealed alongside the original illustrations by Sir John Tenniel at the Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser exhibition at the world’s leading museum of art, design and performance.
Featuring the edge inscription ‘Curiouser and Curiouser’, the intricate design is said to be one of the most detailed coins ever produced by The Royal mint.
Launched in base metal (known as brilliant uncirculated), and also available in gold and silver, the Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland keepsake is part of a two-coin collectors’ range created by The Royal Mint Designer Ffion Gwillim and Sculptor Emma Noble.
The coin is not being entered into general circulation.
The second coin, featuring Tweedledum and Tweedledee, will launch later this summer in celebration of 150 years of Through the Looking-Glass – the sequel to the original Lewis Carroll book.
Clare Maclennan Divisional Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint said:
“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a true classic that has been cherished by generations of adults and children of all ages and is still as popular today. In collaboration with the V&A, we have commemorated this treasured tale for the first time on an official UK coin.
“Inspired by Sir John Tenniel’s original illustrations, the beautiful £5 crown has been crafted to the finest quality, combining traditional minting skills with innovation in design technology.
"I’m sure the Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland range will become a popular choice for collectors, capturing the imagination of people of all ages, and to launch at the awe-inspiring Victoria and Albert Museum during the 150th anniversary of Through the Looking-Glass is a fitting celebration.”
