Royal Mint hides one solid gold Snowman 50p inside advent calendar

The Royal Mint has unveiled a new 50p coin featuring The Snowman, with a golden version hidden inside one of its advent calendars set to be discovered on Christmas Eve.

To mark the launch of The Snowman 2024 collectable 50p, the Royal Mint has hidden a solid gold coin behind the final door in one limited-edition The Snowman advent calendar, offering someone the opportunity to "strike gold".

The Snowman 50p coin is available in a range of precious metal finishes, including colour editions, on the Royal Mint's website, with prices starting at £12. However, it will not be entering general circulation.

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Priced at £30, the advent calendars are limited to 3,000 units, with only one containing a gold proof coin of The Snowman.

The newly minted coin celebrates Raymond Briggs' picture book with a fresh design by Robin Shaw, art director on The Snowman And The Snowdog, the sequel to the original TV adaptation. This year's reverse design depicts 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. Since The Snowman first graced a Royal Mint 50p in 2018, nearly 700,000 coins featuring the character have found their way into collections worldwide across 75 different countries, according to the Royal Mint.

Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin, 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."

Designer Robin Shaw commented: "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."

Since its initial publication in 1978 as a story without words, The Snowman has witnessed global sales reaching over 5.5 million copies. Channel 4 first aired the animated adaptation of the book on December 26, 1982.

Thomas Merrington of 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."

Starting from November 11, enthusiasts will have the chance to personally mint their Snowman-themed 50p at the Royal Mint Experience located in Llantrisant, South Wales.