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The Royal Mint has released (1st December) their third holiday collector coin with a Christmas theme that features a holiday classic, The Snowman. The first collector coin released in 2018 depicted the big-hearted Snowman who comes to life in the back garden of young James — who then takes his new young friend on a flying adventure all the way to the North Pole in time to meet Santa Claus.
The Snowman is a 26-minute animated film based on a book published in 1978 written by Raymond Briggs and was first telecast on the 26th December 1982, in the United Kingdom. The softly illustrated animated scenes along with no spoken dialogue was an immediate success and which received 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.
The story of endearing friendship begins when a young boy, James, discovers a secret box hidden under the floorboards. In the box are 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.
In collaboration with Snowman Enterprises Ltd., and for the holidays, the reverse side of the coins reunites two familiar friends in a warm embrace, and has once again been designed by award-winning animator and illustrator Robin Shaw. Inspired by the hand-drawn illustrations of the original picture book, it captures the bond between the boy and his snowman beautifully. For the special edition Brilliant Uncirculated cupro-nickel and sterling silver Proof coins, a full-colour application is used to add additional detail to the exceptional design.
The obverse side includes the fifth numismatic effigy of HM Queen Elizabeth II created by Royal Mint engraver Jody Clark and was introduced onto British circulating and commemorative coinage in 2015.
| Denom. |
Metal |
Weight | Diameter | Quality |
Maximum Mintage |
| 50 pence |
.9999 Silver |
8 g | 27.3 mm | Brilliant Unc. |
Unlimited |
| 50 pence |
Cupro-nickel |
8 g | 27.3 mm | Brilliant Unc. with applied colour |
15,000 |
| 50 pence |
.925 Silver |
8 g | 27.3 mm | Proof with applied colour |
7,000 |
| 50 pence |
.9167 Gold |
15.5 g | 27.3 mm | Proof |
275 |
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 by a certificate of authenticity. For additional information about the 2020 and the 2019 Snowman releases, please visit the website of the Royal Mint.
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