This is the new 50p coin design

The Royal Mint has revealed that the image of a notorious thief will be emblazoned on special editions of the 50p coin later this year.

Okay, he's a fictional thief - but Peter Rabbit's crimes against Mr McGregor shouldn't be waved off as the stuff of harmless fable. Vegetable production is a costly business.

To mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Beatrix Potter (hell raiser and author of children's books), the mint will be releasing four coins featuring Potter's characters - with Peter Rabbit set to be the first.

The creation of Royal Mint designer Emma Noble, uncoloured versions of the above coin will enter circulation later this year, alongside coloured collectable versions.

It's not yet been revealed who the other characters to fill out the four coin set will be - but we'd put money (about 50p) on the inclusions of Mrs Tiggy Winkle, Jemima Puddle-Duck and Mr Jeremy Fisher.

While this is just an aesthetic tribute, a new 12-sided £1 coin will be launched in 2017 to help combat counterfeiting.

So long as they're easier to find in the depths of a jean pocket, we'll be happy.