The Snowman™ is a welcome and familiar part of the Christmas celebrations for many and this year, The Snowman, a favourite festive character, is back to adorn official United Kingdom Christmas 50 pence coins for an eighth year. First released in 2018, the collector series is based on The Snowman, a 26-minute animated film inspired by a book published in 1978 written by Raymond Briggs CBE and which was first telecast on the 26th December 1982 in the United Kingdom. The story of endearing friendship begins when a young boy, James, discovers a secret box hidden under the floorboards. In the box is a hat, a scarf, some lumps of coal, and a shrivelled tangerine — a snowman-making kit! Later that day, it snows, and James builds a snowman. That night, at the stroke of midnight, the Snowman magically comes to life. The boy awakens and joins his new friend on an amazing adventure, flying to the North Pole and a chance meeting with the man dressed in red himself, Santa Claus.
The softly illustrated animated scenes highlighted by no spoken dialogue became an immediate success and which would go on to receive a nomination for the 1982 Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. A sequel entitled The Snowdog was subsequently released in 2012 to equal popularity. This delightful animated short has aired at Christmastime every year since and, watching or reading The Snowman has become an annual tradition for millions of families across the world. Of particular interest to collectors, almost 750,000 Snowman 50 pence coins have been collected across 75 countries since the first design was struck.
In collaboration with Snowman Enterprises Ltd, the reverse side of the coins designed by award-winning animator and illustrator Robin Shaw who depicts a heart-warming scene of the fun and excitement of Christmas as the Snowman and James are decorating the Christmas tree with sparkling lights. The obverse side includes the effigy of HM King Charles III created by engraver Martin Jennings. Both the denomination of 50 PENCE and the year of issue, 2025 is shown as part of the legend surrounding the King’s likeness.
Denomination Metal Weight Diameter Quality Maximum Mintage 50 Pence Cupro-nickel 8 g. 27.3 mm. BUUnlimited 50 Pence Cupro-nickel 8 g. 27.3 mm. BU & colour16,000 50 Pence .925 Silver 8 g. 27.3 mm. Proof & colour5010 500 Pounds.999 Silver1005 g.100 mm.Proof3 pieces50 Pence .9167 Gold 15.5 g.27.3 mm. Proof110
Available from the 14th October, the Brilliant Uncirculated base metal versions are presented in a Christmas-card type format suitable for exchanging as a holiday greeting. The special edition cupro-nickel colour reverse is presented in a folder with illustrations of the Snowman and text describing the animated film. The silver Proof coins are housed in a custom Perspex/lucite case, enabling the coin to be displayed and viewed from both sides. The gold Proof version is presented in a custom hardwood high gloss case accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Royal Mint.