Paddington at the Palace: A royal treat in silver...

Following on from yesterday’s blog where we explored Paddington Bear’s visit to the Tower of London, today we continue our journey with Britain’s most polite bear as he pays his respects at another iconic landmark—Buckingham Palace.

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The Royal Mint’s 2018 Paddington at the Palace silver proof 50p coin is a delightful entry in a series that celebrates not just numismatics, but one of the UK’s most cherished children’s characters. While Paddington is instantly recognised and adored by British families, many of my readers from across the pond might be wondering—who exactly is this little bear, and why is he such a big deal in the UK?

A bear from deepest darkest Peru with a heart of gold

Paddington Bear first arrived in British bookstores in 1958, the creation of author Michael Bond. According to the story, Paddington came from "darkest Peru" with a suitcase, a marmalade sandwich tucked under his hat, and a label around his neck that read, “Please look after this bear. Thank you.” He was discovered by the Brown family at Paddington Station in London—hence his name—and welcomed into their home.

From there, Paddington’s adventures unfolded in a long series of books, animations, and more recently, hugely successful feature films. What makes Paddington so loved is his unwavering politeness, innocent curiosity, and the hilariously unpredictable consequences of his well-meaning actions. He’s a symbol of kindness, mischief, and British warmth—all wrapped up in a duffle coat and red hat.

The coin: A royal meeting at Buckingham Palace

The Paddington at the Palace 50p coin, struck in .925 sterling silver to a proof standard, shows our furry friend standing proudly outside the gates of Buckingham Palace. He’s waving a little Union Jack flag, clearly enjoying a day out at Her Majesty’s London residence.

The reverse design by David Knapton is brought to life with vivid colour printing, capturing Paddington’s red hat, blue coat, and wide-eyed wonder. The Palace gates are finely detailed, adding elegance to the scene, while the obverse features the official Jody Clark effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.

Like its Tower counterpart, the silver proof version of this coin was issued in limited numbers and comes beautifully presented in Royal Mint packaging, including a collector’s booklet with background on both Paddington and the Palace.

So why exactly does it belongs in your collection??

For collectors in the UK, this coin brings back fond memories of storytime with the kids or cozy evenings reading about Paddington’s misadventures. For international collectors—especially those in the US—this coin offers a uniquely British experience that combines literary heritage with national pride.

Paddington isn’t just a fictional character; he’s a quiet cultural ambassador. He teaches children about manners, kindness, and embracing the unfamiliar. To see him honoured on a coin, especially one set against the backdrop of Buckingham Palace, is truly fitting.

This silver proof 50p is more than a collectable—it's a nostalgic tribute to storytelling, childhood, and the timeless charm of a bear who always tries his best.

If you’re building a collection that blends precious metals with personality, Paddington’s visits to the Tower and the Palace are a perfect place to start. Tomorrow, we might just continue the series—so bring your marmalade sandwiches and come along for the adventure.

Have you added any of the Paddington coins to your collection yet?