A valuable 50p coin worth £1,500 has been carefully concealed inside an advent calendar, providing a fortunate coin collector with the chance to uncover this hidden treasure on Christmas Eve. The unique coin features The Snowman and is part of a special edition 50p coin collection released by the Royal Mint.
The Royal Mint has placed a gold version of The Snowman 50p coin behind door 24 in one of its limited-edition advent calendars to add an element of surprise and excitement for one lucky individual. The Snowman 50p coin is not intended for general circulation and is available in various precious metal finishes, including colour editions, with prices starting at £12 on the Royal Mint’s website.
Priced at £30 each, only 3,000 of these special advent calendars are available, with just one containing the high-value gold proof coin of The Snowman. The design of the new coin, created by Robin Shaw, showcases The Snowman decorating a Christmas tree, capturing the magic of Raymond Briggs’ beloved picture book.
Since its first appearance in 2018, The Snowman 50p coin has been widely collected, with close to 700,000 coins featuring the iconic character distributed to collectors in 75 countries around the world. Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, expressed delight in continuing the tradition of releasing The Snowman collectable 50p coins, highlighting the charm and festive spirit embodied in the design.
The Snowman, first published in 1978 as a wordless picture book and later adapted into an animated short film, has captivated audiences worldwide, selling over 5.5 million copies. The enduring popularity of The Snowman has led to its seventh appearance on a 50p coin, reflecting the timeless appeal of this heartwarming Christmas tale.
Fans of The Snowman will also have the opportunity to strike their own 50p coin featuring the beloved character at the Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant, South Wales, starting from November 11. The collaboration between the Royal Mint and The Snowman continues to resonate with families, bringing joy and magic to the holiday season through these commemorative coins.