The Royal Australian Mint has recently released a new series of coloured 20-cent coins celebrating the 20th anniversary of Mem Fox’s beloved children’s book, Where is the Green Sheep? The coins feature the iconic „bed sheep“ reading a book, surrounded by a green thought bubble containing blue, orange, and red sheep. This unique design pays homage to the whimsical and heartwarming story that has captured the hearts of children and parents alike.
According to the Royal Mint, there are three versions of the collectable coin available. The first version includes 25,000 coloured 20-cent coins packaged with a themed card or a copy of the book. The second version consists of 3,000 gold-plated coloured 20-cent coins that come with a deluxe edition of the book. These limited edition coins are sure to become prized possessions for collectors and fans of the book alike.
Author Mem Fox expressed her excitement at seeing her book featured on a coin, stating, „Where is the Green Sheep? The answer is… on a coin! What a thrill it is to have the green sheep hit such heights.“ Illustrator Judy Horacek also shared her delight, remarking that she never imagined her sheep would appear on a coin. The collaboration between the Mint and the creators of the book has resulted in a beautifully crafted coin that honors the spirit of the original story.
Mint product developer Matthew Frawley highlighted that this release is part of a series that celebrates popular Australian children’s books. Previous coins in the series have featured titles such as Animalia, Diary of a Wombat, and Edward the Emu. Frawley praised Where is the Green Sheep? for its ability to teach children about opposites and the concept of „where“ through Fox’s engaging prose and Horacek’s vibrant illustrations.
Despite being recently unveiled, the collectable coins have already gained significant attention online. Listings on eBay show prices for the 20-cent coins reaching up to $55 each, nearly three times their recommended retail price. The gold-plated coins with the book are being sold for up to $299.99, more than three and a half times their RRP. The popularity of these coins is a testament to the enduring appeal of Where is the Green Sheep? and the quality of the Mint’s commemorative designs.
For those interested in acquiring the 20-cent Green Sheep coin, they are available for purchase through the Mint Contact Centre, the Mint Coin Shop in Deakin, and participating authorised distributors. Prices range from $17.50 for the coin with a card, $50 for the coin with a book, to $85 for the gold-plated coin. Additionally, the Mint is conducting online ballots for the purchase of these coins, with successful entrants being notified via email within 24 hours.
In conclusion, the release of the Where is the Green Sheep? 20-cent coins by the Royal Australian Mint is a delightful tribute to a beloved children’s book that has captured the imaginations of readers for two decades. The coins not only serve as collectable items but also as cherished mementos of a timeless story that continues to enchant audiences of all ages.