The Royal Mint has announced that The Snowman will be depicted on a 50p coin, and a gold version will be hidden inside one of its advent calendars for a lucky customer to find on Christmas Eve. To further celebrate the launch of The Snowman 2024 collectable 50p coin, the Mint said it has hidden a solid gold coin behind door 24 in one limited-edition The Snowman advent calendar, offering someone the chance of “striking gold”.
While The Snowman 50p coin won’t be entering general circulation, it is available in a range of precious metal finishes, including colour editions, with prices starting at £12.
One lucky person will receive a gold version of The Snowman 50p coin in door 24 of their advent calendar (Image: The Royal Mint/PA Wire) The new coin celebrates Raymond Briggs’ picture book with a new design created by Robin Shaw, who was art director on The Snowman And The Snowdog, the sequel to the original television adaptation.
This year’s reverse (tails) design shows The Snowman decorating a Christmas tree.
A selection of the coins will feature colour, bringing the story to life on the small canvas of a 50p coin.
You can buy the 50p coin via the Royal Mint’s website.
Since The Snowman first appeared on a Royal Mint 50p in 2018, close to 700,000 coins featuring the character have made their way into collections globally across 75 different countries.
Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: “The Snowman collectable 50p has become a Christmas tradition at the Royal Mint, and we are delighted to continue this much-loved story on UK coinage.
“This year marks The Snowman’s seventh appearance on a 50p, and Robin Shaw’s special design expertly captures the magic of Christmas.”
Mr Shaw said: “It’s an honour to see one of my designs appear once again on a 50 pence piece.
“This year’s Snowman coin captures the magic of Raymond Briggs’ most enduring creation while celebrating The Snowman’s latest adventure on UK coins.”
The Snowman was first published in 1978 as a wordless picture book and has since sold 5.5 million copies worldwide.
The book inspired an animated short film that was first broadcast on Channel 4 on December 26, 1982.
Thomas Merrington, creative director at Penguin Ventures, said: “Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman is a beloved and magical story that captures the hearts of many families at Christmas every year and we are thrilled our partnership with the Royal Mint continues to flourish with the release of this seventh coin.”
From November 11, Snowman fans will also be able to strike their own 50p featuring The Snowman at the Royal Mint Experience which is based in Llantrisant in South Wales.
The Snowman's Journey: From Picture Book to Coin Collection
The Snowman's journey from a beloved children's book to a coveted collectible coin is a testament to its enduring popularity. The character first graced a Royal Mint 50p coin in 2018, and since then, nearly 700,000 coins featuring The Snowman have been collected by enthusiasts across the globe. This year's release marks the seventh time The Snowman has been featured on a 50p coin, with the Royal Mint continuing to celebrate the character's magic through a new design that captures the essence of the holiday season.
The Magic of Christmas Captured
This year's design showcases The Snowman decorating a Christmas tree, a scene that evokes the warmth and joy of the holiday season. The Royal Mint has also added a touch of festive magic by offering a selection of the coins with colour, bringing the story to life on the small canvas of a 50p coin. The gold coin hidden within one of the advent calendars adds an extra layer of excitement, giving someone the chance to find a treasure worth cherishing.
A Christmas Tradition
The Snowman has become synonymous with Christmas, and the Royal Mint's release of a new 50p coin featuring the character every year has become a festive tradition for collectors. This year's release promises to be even more special with the addition of the hidden gold coin. The excitement of finding this treasure will undoubtedly add to the joy of the holiday season for one lucky collector.
A Lasting Legacy
The Snowman's legacy continues to inspire generations of children, and the Royal Mint's ongoing celebration of the character through collectible coins ensures that this beloved story will continue to be cherished for years to come. The gold coin hidden in the advent calendar is a symbol of the enduring magic of The Snowman, a reminder that even the smallest of things can hold immense value.
