In a special celebration of The Snowman, the Royal Mint has announced an exciting twist to their 2024 collection: a hidden, solid gold 50p coin in a limited-edition advent calendar. One lucky buyer will find this golden treasure behind the 24th door of The Snowman-themed calendar, adding a layer of excitement to the festive season for collectors and fans of the beloved Christmas character. The advent calendar, part of a broader holiday-themed collection, is priced at £30 and limited to just 3,000 units. With only one advent calendar containing the golden 50p coin, the excitement is palpable among coin enthusiasts.
A New Chapter in The Snowman Coin Collection
Since the first appearance of The Snowman on a Royal Mint coin in 2018, the character has become a familiar part of Christmas coin collections, capturing the hearts of fans across the world. Over 700,000 coins featuring The Snowman have been collected in 75 countries globally. The 2024 edition brings a fresh design crafted by Robin Shaw, the art director of The Snowman and The Snowdog, a sequel to the original television adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ classic picture book.
This year’s 50p coin features a festive scene, with The Snowman decorating a Christmas tree on the reverse (tails) side. Some coins will come in special color editions, enhancing the intricate details of the design and bringing the holiday magic to life on the small canvas of the 50p piece. The coins are available in a variety of precious metal finishes, with prices starting from £12, ensuring that collectors of all budgets can partake in this festive tradition.
Rebecca Morgan, the director of commemorative coins at the Royal Mint, expressed her enthusiasm for the new release, stating, “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.”
The Hidden Gold Coin: A Holiday Surprise
The advent calendar is perhaps the most exciting part of this year’s Snowman collection, offering buyers the rare chance of finding a solid gold version of the 50p coin. The Mint has cleverly hidden the gold coin behind door number 24 in just one of the 3,000 limited-edition advent calendars. With only one lucky recipient set to “strike gold,” this advent calendar is not just a countdown to Christmas but also a treasure hunt with a golden prize at the end.
Morgan emphasized the excitement surrounding this special edition, saying, “Our Snowman advent calendar is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays, and hiding a gold 50p inside one calendar adds an extra element of festive fun. We can’t wait to see who will uncover this unique coin.”
The advent calendars are expected to be a hot item among collectors and fans of The Snowman, making the search for the hidden golden coin even more thrilling.
A Design Rooted in Tradition and Magic
Robin Shaw, who has designed this year’s Snowman coin, spoke about the honor of being involved in the project. “It’s an honor 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.”
Shaw’s design brings to life the whimsical, heartwarming nature of the original Snowman story, which was first published in 1978 as a wordless picture book. Over the years, The Snowman has become synonymous with Christmas magic, having sold 5.5 million copies worldwide. The story was further immortalized by the animated short film first broadcast on Channel 4 on December 26, 1982.
Thomas Merrington, creative director at Penguin Ventures, also shared his excitement about this ongoing collaboration with the Royal Mint. “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.”
The Royal Mint Experience: Strike Your Own Snowman Coin
For those who want to take their Snowman coin collection a step further, the Royal Mint has introduced a unique opportunity. Starting on November 11, Snowman fans can visit the Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant, South Wales, to strike their own 50p coin featuring The Snowman. This hands-on experience allows visitors to become part of the minting process, creating a personalized piece of holiday magic to take home.
The Royal Mint Experience, which offers tours and interactive exhibits showcasing the history of British coinage, provides the perfect backdrop for this festive activity. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply looking for a memorable Christmas keepsake, the chance to mint your own Snowman coin adds a personal touch to the holiday tradition.
A Collectible Tradition Continues
The Snowman has been a part of British Christmas celebrations for decades, and his appearance on the Royal Mint’s 50p coin has solidified his place in the world of numismatics. Each new release adds to the legacy of this cherished character, with Robin Shaw’s designs capturing the joy and wonder that The Snowman represents. The limited-edition advent calendar, with its hidden golden treasure, further enhances the magic of the season, making this year’s Snowman collection a must-have for collectors and fans alike.
As the Royal Mint continues to celebrate The Snowman’s legacy, the 2024 coin promises to be a highlight in Christmas collections worldwide. Whether you’re seeking a special gift or hoping to be the lucky recipient of the gold coin, The Snowman advent calendar and coin collection offer a delightful way to celebrate the holidays.
Where to Buy
For those eager to add The Snowman 50p coin to their collection, it is now available for purchase through the Royal Mint’s website. With prices starting at £12 for basic editions, this is an accessible and heartwarming addition to any collection. The advent calendar, priced at £30, is also available through the Royal Mint, but with only 3,000 units and a single hidden gold coin, it’s expected to sell out quickly. Collectors and fans of The Snowman should act fast to secure their piece of this festive tradition.
As the countdown to Christmas begins, The Snowman once again brings a touch of holiday magic to UK coinage, with the Royal Mint offering both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts the chance to celebrate this beloved character in a special way.
Related topics: