Royal Mint hides rare collectable in Christmas advent calendar but only one lucky person will find...

Published: 1:01 PM BST, October 14, 2024 | Updated: 1:13 PM BST, October 14, 2024

The Snowman is highlighted on a new 50p coin from the Royal Mint, and a special gold edition is secretly placed inside one of their advent calendars for someone to find on Christmas Eve.

In order to mark the release of the 2024 collectible 50p featuring The Snowman, the Royal Mint has placed a solid gold coin inside one of its exclusive advent calendars, offering a lucky individual the opportunity to "hit the jackpot."

The advent calendars are available for £30 each, and there are 3,000 in total. However, just one of them will include a gold proof edition of The Snowman coin.

You can find the Snowman 50p coin in various high-quality metal finishes, including colored versions. These are available on the Royal Mint’s website, with prices beginning at £12.

The new coin pays tribute to Raymond Briggs' beloved picture book, featuring a fresh design by Robin Shaw, who served as art director for The Snowman and its sequel, The Snowdog. These coins won’t be available for everyday use in circulation.

The 50p coin is inspired by the timeless illustrated story by Raymond Briggs, featuring a young boy who creates a snowman that magically comes alive.

The Royal Mint has concealed a gold coin behind a special edition advent calendar.

Since The Snowman debuted on a Royal Mint 50p coin in 2018, nearly 700,000 coins with this character have been produced.

The reverse side design for this year features The Snowman as he decorates a Christmas tree.

Some of the coins will include color, adding vibrancy and life to the small surface of a 50p coin.

Since The Snowman debuted on a 50p coin from the Royal Mint in 2018, nearly 700,000 coins showcasing this character have been collected around the world, reaching 75 different countries.

Rebecca Morgan, who heads the commemorative coin department at the Royal Mint, expressed her excitement by saying, "The Snowman collectible 50p coin has turned into a Christmas staple at the Royal Mint, and we are thrilled to carry on this cherished tale through UK coins."

This year, The Snowman makes its seventh appearance on a 50p coin, with a special design by Robin Shaw that beautifully embodies the spirit of Christmas.

Mr. Shaw expressed, "I feel truly honored to have one of my designs featured again on a 50 pence coin."

This year's Snowman coin encapsulates the enchantment of Raymond Briggs' timeless masterpiece, while also honoring the Snowman's newest journey featured on UK currency.

Originally released in 1978 as a picture book without any text, The Snowman has gone on to sell 5.5 million copies around the globe.

"The Snowman has achieved worldwide sales of 5.5 million copies since it was initially released in 1978."

The advent calendars are being sold for £30 each, with a total of 3,000 units up for grabs.

The Snowman 50p coin comes in several luxurious metal finishes, with prices beginning at

The book led to the creation of an animated short film that premiered on Channel 4 on December 26, 1982.

Thomas Merrington, the creative director at Penguin Ventures, remarked, "Raymond Briggs' The Snowman is a cherished and enchanting tale that touches the hearts of families during the Christmas season every year."

We're excited to see our collaboration with the Royal Mint thrive as we introduce this seventh coin.