Royal Mint launches Cluedo coins with murder mystery fans given chance to win gold prize

A new series of collectable 50p coins based on the board game Cluedo has been launched by The Royal Mint, in partnership with toy firm Hasbro.

To mark the release, members of the public are being invited to take part in an online competition to solve "the case of the missing coin", with the chance to win a gold version of the 50p.

A fresh clue will be released each week on The Royal Mint’s website and social media channels, asking participants to identify "the who, the where and the what" – meaning the suspect, the location, and the coin type.

Anyone who correctly answers all three clues will be entered into a prize draw to win the gold Cluedo 50p, which the Mint values at over £2,000.

The contest is free to enter, with the winner scheduled to be announced after entries close on 19 October.

Strictly Come Dancing winner Ellie Leach, who played Miss Scarlett in the stage production Cluedo 2, examined the new coins alongside Marcia Lewis, whose father invented the game.

The artwork features Miss Scarlett alongside the five other classic suspects – Colonel Mustard, Professor Plum, Mrs Peacock, Reverend Green and Mrs White – with selected editions featuring the original colours of the board game.

Hidden details are also incorporated into the design, including microtext that lists the characters, rooms and weapons, requiring a magnifying glass to read clearly.

Tim Mulhall, head of fandom at The Royal Mint, said: "Every coin we create tells a story, and the Cluedo 50p is no exception.

"Cluedo has captivated millions of players for decades, and we’ve channelled that spirit of mystery and intrigue into every detail of the design.

"We hope members of the public enjoy cracking the case of ‘the missing coin’ as much as we’ve enjoyed bringing the coin to life.

"There’s a real thrill to coin collecting, and we hope solving this case connects that same passion for collecting with the mystery and excitement of a game like Cluedo."

The game has entertained families for decades following its creation by Anthony Pratt.

Ms Lewis, Mr Pratt's daughter, said: "My father invented the game at his home in Birmingham during the long nights under blackout in the Second World War, while my mother, Elva, designed the board."

She added: "Visiting The Royal Mint to strike my own coin and to see the range of skills, craftsmanship and minute attention to detail that went into its production was a moment I will always cherish and one I know my parents would have too.

"Cluedo has brought entertainment, escapism and delight to hundreds of millions of people and I’m immensely proud to know my father’s legacy, so cleverly represented in this coin, will now be treasured by collectors and families for many years to come."

Ms Leach said: "Playing Miss Scarlett on stage was one of my favourite roles, so getting to bring her back to life for The Royal Mint was such a fun challenge."

Marianne James, senior vice president, global licensing at Hasbro, said: "Cluedo has brought generations together through mystery, strategy and play."

The collectable coins go on sale on The Royal Mint’s website from 9am on Monday, with prices starting at £19.95.

From 6 October, visitors to the Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant, South Wales, will also be able to strike their own Cluedo 50p, which features a simplified design showing a magnifying glass over a game board.