The Royal Mint in collaboration with Beano last week unveiled a brand new 50p coin celebrating 75 years of Dennis the Menace.
Since bursting onto the scene on 17th March 1951 in Beano issue 452, DC Thomson says Dennis has been giving Walter Brown a headache for three quarters of a century. Now, the spiky-haired, red-and-black jumper-wearing icon is making history as he and his trusty Abyssinian Wire-Haired Tripehound, Gnasher, appear on an official UK 50p coin.
The collectible 50p has been created in collaboration with Beano. The design showcases Dennis in his striped jumper alongside his loyal, sausage-obsessed companion. A selection of coins will feature vibrant colour printing, bringing Dennis and Gnasher bursting to life straight from the pages of Beano and onto metal.
Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at The Royal Mint, said: “Dennis the Menace is a true British icon who has been causing mayhem and bringing joy to readers for 75 remarkable years. 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, executive director of growth and new product development, said: “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.”
DC Thomson says Beano is Britain’s longest-running weekly comic, first published on 30th July 1938. Over its 87-year history, the comic has entertained generations of children with its characters, humour, and rebellious spirit. Alongside Dennis the Menace, Beano has introduced readers to much-loved favourites including Minnie the Minx, The Bash Street Kids, and Roger the Dodger. Today, Beano continues both in print and online, remaining a part of British popular culture.
The coin was available from 9am 19th February 2026 with prices starting from £15. For more information and to purchase from The Royal Mint, visit their website. According to the publisher, from 26th February, visitors to the Royal Mint Experience, based in Llantrisant, South Wales will have an opportunity to strike their own Dennis the Menace 50p coin.
Keep up-to-date with publishing news: sign up here for InPubWeekly, our free weekly e-newsletter.
