The Royal Mint has unveiled an exciting new collectible for the 2024 holiday season: a 50p coin featuring the beloved character from Raymond Briggs’ classic tale, The Snowman. This festive release is not just any coin; it comes with a unique twist that adds to the holiday spirit.
A Special Gold Coin Surprise
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In a delightful twist, the Royal Mint has included a solid gold version of this 50p coin, hidden behind door 24 of one of its special advent calendars. This exclusive coin will only be found by one lucky recipient on Christmas Eve, making it a coveted prize for collectors and fans alike.
Coin Availability and Pricing
The new 50p coin will not enter general circulation but will be available for purchase directly from the Royal Mint’s website. Priced at £12, the coin will come in various precious metal finishes and colors. The advent calendars, containing the chance to discover the gold coin, will retail for £30, with a limited run of only 3,000 units.
The Legacy of The Snowman
The Snowman first graced bookshelves in 1978 as a wordless picture book, captivating audiences with its enchanting story of a young boy named James who builds a snowman that magically comes to life. The tale has since sold over 5.5 million copies globally and inspired an animated short film that premiered on Channel 4 on Boxing Day in 1982.
Celebrating a Christmas Tradition
Since its first appearance on a Royal Mint 50p in 2018, nearly 700,000 coins featuring The Snowman have found their way into collections across 75 different countries. This year’s design, crafted by Robin Shaw—who served as art director for The Snowman And The Snowdog, the sequel to the original film—depicts The Snowman joyfully decorating a Christmas tree.
A Word from the Royal Mint
Rebecca Morgan, the director of commemorative coin 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.” She emphasized that this marks The Snowman’s seventh appearance on the 50p coin, with Shaw’s design perfectly capturing the essence of Christmas magic.
Continued Partnership with Penguin Ventures
Thomas Merrington, representing Penguin Ventures—the licensing arm of Penguin Random House—echoed this sentiment, highlighting the timeless appeal of The Snowman. He stated, “The Snowman is a beloved and magical story that captures the hearts of many families at Christmas every year. We are thrilled our partnership with the Royal Mint continues to flourish with the release of this seventh coin.”
Conclusion
The new Royal Mint 50p coin featuring The Snowman not only celebrates a cherished holiday classic but also offers collectors a chance to own a unique piece of festive memorabilia. With the added excitement of a hidden gold coin, this release is sure to spread joy and anticipation as Christmas approaches. Whether you’re a collector or a fan of this enchanting tale, the 2024 Snowman coin is a delightful addition to the holiday season.