Paddington’s first stop: The 2018 silver proof 50p coin – Paddington at the Station...

Before he stood proudly outside the Tower of London or waved politely at the gates of Buckingham Palace, Paddington Bear’s iconic British adventure began in the most ordinary of places: a train station. But for a small bear from Darkest Peru, Paddington Station was anything but ordinary — it was the gateway to his new life, and the beginning of one of the most beloved children’s stories in UK literary history.

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Released by The Royal Mint in 2018, the Paddington at the Station silver proof 50p coin was the first in a four-part series celebrating the 60th anniversary of Michael Bond’s creation. This beautiful coin not only commemorates a treasured national character but also holds its place firmly as a standout piece in any collector’s or family’s precious metals collection.

For those unfamiliar — especially my friends and readers across the pond — Paddington Bear is a British literary treasure. First appearing in A Bear Called Paddington in 1958, the little bear with a duffle coat, floppy hat, and love for marmalade sandwiches has charmed generations of children with his misadventures, earnest heart, and impeccable manners.

After being found alone at Paddington Station with a label around his neck reading “Please look after this bear. Thank you.”, he is taken in by the Brown family and quickly becomes part of British cultural fabric. His stories highlight kindness, curiosity, and the gentle humour that resonates with readers young and old.

The 2018 Paddington at the Station silver proof coin captures that very first moment in exquisite detail. Illustrated by David Knapton, Paddington is shown sitting atop his battered suitcase on the platform, wide-eyed, surrounded by luggage, and dwarfed by the grandeur of the station’s architecture. It’s a beautiful tribute to the bear’s origins, rendered with warmth and nostalgia.

Specifications:

• Denomination: 50p
• Year: 2018
• Finish: Proof
• Metal: .925 Fine Silver
• Weight: 8 grams
• Diameter: 27.30mm
• Obverse Designer: Jody Clark (featuring the 5th portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II)
• Reverse Designer: David Knapton
• Mintage: Limited edition presentation – only 60,000 minted

Each coin came presented in a Royal Mint box with a certificate of authenticity, making it an ideal keepsake for Paddington fans and precious metal enthusiasts alike.

Paddington has always been a familiar friend in our home. Like many parents, I’ve read his tales aloud countless times, watching my children giggle at his polite disasters and life lessons. So when The Royal Mint released this coin, I knew it wasn’t just a collectible — it was a memory made permanent in silver.

This was where it all began for Paddington, and for many of us who grew up with him, it’s where our own journeys with the little bear started too. The coin captures more than a scene — it captures the emotion of that moment: the vulnerability, the hope, and the promise of adventure.

The 2018 Paddington at the Station silver proof 50p is more than a coin — it’s a beautifully crafted piece of storytelling in sterling silver. It’s a reminder of the simple joys of childhood reading, the magic of welcoming strangers, and the enduring charm of one small bear who made a big impact.

Whether you're building a precious metals portfolio or passing on cherished stories to your children, this coin is a delightful addition — and a perfect beginning to Paddington’s journey through UK coinage.