Snugglepot and Cuddlepie coins made

An illustration of beloved Australian characters Snugglepot and Cuddlepie has been placed on Perth Mint coins in honour of famed author May Gibbs.

Originally published in 1918, Tales of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie tells the story of two little gumnut brothers and their amazing adventures in the bush.

Struck from 1/2oz of 99.9 per cent pure silver, the coin's reverse depicts an inscription and a colourful image of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie sitting on a gum tree tree branch with Little Ragged Blossom between them.

Issued as legal tender, 5000 coins have been made and each costs $67.50.

Perth Mint spokesman Ron Currie said the coins were an ideal gift for newborn babies because they came in a themed gift card with a place to put a photograph.

"May Gibbs' quintessential Australian stories have been a source of fascination for generations of children and we're delighted to bring the captivating tales of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie to fans old and new," he said.