The Royal Mint has concealed a rare 22-carat gold Snowman 50p coin valued at £2,495 inside one of its 2026 Christmas advent calendars, offering one lucky buyer the chance to uncover a valuable festive surprise.
Priced at £39.95, the advent calendar features 24 doors, with 23 chocolate treats behind the first 23. The final door, opened on Christmas Eve, typically reveals a brilliant uncirculated colour edition of the 2026 Snowman 50p coin. However, one calendar contains something far more valuable: a special gold version of the commemorative coin, individually valued at £2,495 by the Royal Mint.
The hidden prize means one customer could receive a gold coin worth considerably more than the price of the calendar itself.
A festive collection with several editions
The festive advent calendar forms part of the Royal Mint's latest Snowman coin collection, produced in partnership with Snowman Enterprises Limited.
Collectors and Christmas enthusiasts can also purchase the new 2026 Snowman 50p coins individually, with prices starting at £19.95. The collection features several editions, including brilliant uncirculated, colour, silver and gold coins. Each commemorative 50p features new festive artwork created by animator and illustrator Robin Shaw.
Inspired by the much-loved Christmas character, the latest design offers collectors another opportunity to own a piece of festive coinage.
Not the first time a gold coin has been hidden
This is not the first time the Royal Mint has hidden a valuable gold Snowman coin in one of its Christmas advent calendars. A similar promotion took place in 2024, when a solid gold Snowman coin was concealed among the calendars.
The latest release combines the appeal of the traditional Christmas countdown with the chance to discover a rare commemorative coin, making it a potential talking point for both coin collectors and fans of The Snowman.
With the 2026 collection available to buy, customers can choose between purchasing an individual commemorative 50p or trying their luck with the Royal Mint's festive advent calendar.
