The Royal Mint has hidden a gold 50p coin celebrating The Snowman inside one of its advent calendars. The calendars, which cost £39.95, contain 23 chocolate coins, with a brilliant uncirculated colour edition of The Snowman 2026 50p behind door 24.
Gold coin worth £2,495
One calendar contains a 22-carat gold version of the coin, priced at £2,495 to buy individually from The Royal Mint, enabling someone to strike gold on Christmas Eve. As well as the calendars, the new Snowman coins are available to buy at a starting price of £19.95.
Design and partnership
Created in partnership with Snowman Enterprises Limited, the coins are available in brilliant uncirculated and colour versions as well as gold and silver. The commemorative 50p design features a new festive illustration by animator and illustrator Robin Shaw, depicting The Snowman decorating a Christmas tree alongside young James.
First published in 1978 and adapted for TV screens, Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman has enchanted generations of children and adults. The 2026 release marks the ninth time The Snowman has featured on an official UK coin, according to The Royal Mint.
