The Royal Mint has unveiled a new collectable 50p coin celebrating 75 years of Dennis the Menace, marking the comic icon’s leap from the pages of Beano to official currency in collaboration with the comic’s creators.
The coin features the mischievous schoolboy in his signature red-and-black striped jumper alongside his dog Gnasher, with special colour-printed editions designed to make the character’s look stand out. An engraving reading “75 years of Dennis” accompanies the design.
Dennis first appeared in issue 452 of Beano on 17 March 1951, decades after the comic itself launched in 1938 under Dundee-based publisher DC Thomson. Since then, the character has expanded beyond print into television, video games and theme park attractions, including serving as mascot of Beanoland at Chessington World of Adventures between 1999 and 2010.
Rebecca Morgan, from the Royal Mint, said there’s “something wonderfully fitting about this legendary mischief-maker finally making his mark” on the collectable coins.
“I’m sure Dennis himself would see it as his greatest prank yet,” she added.
She also said: “There’s something wonderfully fitting about this legendary mischief-maker finally making his mark on a collectible 50p and I’m sure Dennis himself would see it as his greatest prank yet.
“This coin captures everything we love about him, that unmistakable mischievous grin, his furry pal Gnasher by his side and that irresistible spirit of rebellion that has made him a favourite across generations.
“We’re incredibly proud to bring Dennis to life in this way, and we know this coin will be treasured by Beano fans young and old.”
Rob Glenny, from Beano, which was launched by Dundee-based publisher DC Thomson in 1938, said the coin “captures the unmistakable spark that has kept Dennis at the heart of childhood for generations”.
He added: “Dennis has always had a knack for turning up where you least expect him, and we’re very excited that he has now landed on a 50p coin.
“With Gnasher by his side, this coin captures the unmistakable spark that has kept Dennis at the heart of childhood for generations.
“To see that mischief officially minted is a brilliant way to mark 75 years of laughs, pranks and unleashed imagination.”
The commemorative coins are available from the Royal Mint website starting at £15, with colour versions priced higher, and from February 26 visitors to the Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant, South Wales will also be able to strike their own Dennis the Menace coin.
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