Rupert Bear’s circle includes a real elephant, Edward Trunk, whose surname fits him perfectly. The character received his own 50p coin, issued by the Isle of Man in 2020 for the centenary of the Rupert strip; the reverse shows Edward with the inscription FIFTY PENCE - EDWARD TRUNK.

The design is by artist Matt Tindall, who created all five reverses of the centenary set; the obverse carries Jody Clark’s portrait of Elizabeth II. The coin was struck by Tower Mint, maker of the island’s coins since 2017.

Edward is one of Rupert’s friends invented by Mary Tourtel, who drew the strip from its first appearance in the Daily Express on 8 November 1920 until 1935. After her, Alfred Bestall continued the series, and since 1936 the adventures of the friends from Nutwood village have been gathered every year in the Rupert Annual.

Alongside Edward, the set includes Rupert, Bill Badger, Podgy Pig and Algy Pug. The design was also issued in .925 silver and in gold, both in proof quality; this listing is the copper-nickel coin. In a thematic collection of elephants on coins, he represents not wildlife but a literary hero.

Uncirculated (UNC) condition: the coin has never been in circulation, shows no wear and keeps its original mint lustre; only minor handling marks are possible.

Numismatics begins with a single coin and continues in the VPcoins catalogue.