THE SNOWMAN™ makes a magical return on a 50p
- New design of Raymond Briggs’ THE SNOWMAN™ comes to life on a 50 pence piece just in time for Christmas.
- The design features original artwork created by illustrator Robin Shaw, showing The Snowman placing a star at the top of a Christmas tree.
- THE SNOWMAN™50p has become one of the most collectable Christmas coins produced by The Royal Mint.
14th October 2024: The Royal Mint, in collaboration with Snowman Enterprises Ltd and officially licensed by Penguin Ventures (a Penguin Random House company), is spreading festive joy as the heartwarming tale of THE SNOWMAN™ is celebrated on a new 50p coin. Loved and adored by millions, THE SNOWMAN™ returns to UK coins just in time for the big day.
The new collectable 50p coin celebrates Raymond Briggs’ classic picture book, published by Puffin, with a new design created by Robin Shaw, award-winning animator and illustrator. Shaw was also the art director on The Snowman and The Snowdog, the heart-warming sequel to the original television adaption.
This year’s reverse (tails) design shows the beloved Christmas character, The Snowman, taking part in one of the most special festive traditions – decorating the Christmas tree. A selection of the coins will feature colour, bringing The Snowman and story to life on the small canvas of a 50p in intricate detail.
Since The Snowman first appeared on a 50 pence piece in 2018, close to 700,000 coins featuring this beloved 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.”
Robin Shaw, illustrator of The Snowman™ 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, offering a lasting keepsake for fans and admires of this classic festive tale.”
Thomas Merrington, Creative Director, Penguin Ventures added: “Raymond Brigg’s 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.”
First published in 1978 as a wordless picture book, The Snowman has since sold 5.5 million copies worldwide. Briggs’ skilful pencil illustrations embellish the story with a magical aura, enchanting the reader and drawing them into a snowy world filled with wonder. The book inspired an animated short film that was first broadcast on Channel 4 on 26 December 1982. Adding to the story’s association with Christmas, it has aired annually ever since.
First published in 1978 and adapted for television in 1982, Raymond Briggs’ heart-warming story of childhood innocence continues to delight young and old alike.
To further celebrate the launch of The Snowman™ 2024 collectable 50p, The Royal Mint has hidden a solid gold coin behind door 24 in one limited-edition The Snowman™ advent calendar, offering one customer the chance of striking gold on Christmas Eve.
The Snowman collectible 50p coin will be available in a range of precious metal finishes with colour editions available on The Royal Mint’s website. This is a collectible coin and will not be entering general circulation.
From 11th November, fans will be able to strike their very own 50p featuring The Snowman™ at The Royal Mint’s visitor attraction, the Royal Mint Experience, based in Llantrisant South Wales. Tickets can be booked via The Royal Mint’s website.