Entertainment Swindon

Dennis the Menace turned 75 today, and to celebrate, The Royal Mint presses 75-year anniversary 50p coins!

Marking 75 years since the iconic Beano character made his first appearance, the Royal Mint’s Rebecca Morgan said the 50p coin “captures everything we love about him”.

A new range of Dennis the Menace-themed coins will be minted, marking 75 years of the iconic comic prankster.

A collaboration between the Royal Mint and Beano will see Dennis and his dog Gnasher feature on collectable 50p coins.

Vibrant colour printing is available, meaning the cartoon character’s famous red and black jumper pops next to an engraving that reads “75 years of Dennis”.

The character made his first appearance in issue 452 of the Beano on 17 March 1951 and has since appeared on the BBC, ITV, and in video games.

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.

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”.

The commemorative coin is available to buy from the Royal Mint’s website from today, starting at £15.

Fom 26 February, visitors to the Royal Mint Experience, based in Llantrisant, South Wales, will also be able to mint their own Dennis the Menace coin.