The Snowman is being depicted on a new Royal Mint 50p coin – with a gold version hidden in one of its advent calendars for someone to discover on Christmas Eve.

To further celebrate the launch of The Snowman 2024 collectable 50p, The Mint has announced that it has hidden a solid gold coin behind door 24 in one limited-edition The Snowman advent calendar, offering someone the chance of “striking gold”.

The 1978 children’s picture book The Snowman was the creation of author and illustrator Raymond Briggs. Briggs taught at the Brighton School of Art and lived in Westmeston, near Lewes, until his death in 2022.

The book is set in Sussex and at one point the snowman and the boy fly over the South Downs and watch the sun coming up from Brighton pier before returning home. 

The reverse of the coin features a brand-new design by award-winning illustrator Robin ShawThe reverse of the coin features a brand-new design by award-winning illustrator Robin Shaw (Image: The Royal Mint/PA) The Snowman 50p coin is available in a range of precious metal finishes, including colour editions, on the Royal Mint’s website, with prices starting at £12. It will not be entering general circulation.

The advent calendars will be priced at £30, with a total of 3,000 available – and only one will have a gold proof coin of The Snowman hidden inside.

The new coin celebrates Raymond Briggs’ picture book with a new design created by Robin Shaw, who was art director on The Snowman And The Snowdog, the sequel to the original television adaptation.

This year’s reverse (tails) design shows The Snowman decorating a Christmas tree.

A selection of the coins will feature colour, bringing the story to life on the small canvas of a 50p coin.

Since The Snowman first appeared on a Royal Mint 50p in 2018, close to 700,000 coins featuring the character have made their way into collections globally across 75 different countries, the Mint said.

Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: “The Snowman collectable 50p has become a Christmas tradition at the Royal Mint, and we are delighted to continue this much-loved story on UK coinage.

The Snowman sold 5.5 million copies worldwide and inspired an animated short film which was broadcast in 1982The Snowman sold 5.5 million copies worldwide and inspired an animated short film which was broadcast in 1982 (Image: The Royal Mint/PA) “This year marks The Snowman’s seventh appearance on a 50p, and Robin Shaw’s special design expertly captures the magic of Christmas.”

Mr Shaw said: “It’s an honour to see one of my designs appear once again on a 50 pence piece.

“This year’s Snowman coin captures the magic of Raymond Briggs’ most enduring creation while celebrating The Snowman’s latest adventure on UK coins.”

The Snowman sold 5.5 million copies worldwide and inspired an animated short film that was first broadcast on Channel 4 on December 26 1982.

Thomas Merrington, creative director, Penguin Ventures, said: “Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman is a beloved and magical story that captures the hearts of many families at Christmas every year and we are thrilled our partnership with the Royal Mint continues to flourish with the release of this seventh coin.”

From November 11, Snowman fans will also be able to strike their own 50p featuring The Snowman at the Royal Mint Experience, based in Llantrisant in South Wales.