• The Royal Mint’s The Snowman advent calendar is back for Christmas 2025

• One lucky buyer will strike gold with a solid gold 50p hidden inside

• Last year's limited-edition calendars sold out on the day of launch
• Eighth appearance for Raymond Briggs' beloved character on UK coinage

14 October 2025

The Royal Mint has brought back it’s The Snowman™ advent calendar for Christmas 2025 – and this year’s edition comes with a new 50p coin design and the chance to uncover a solid gold version hidden behind one of the doors.

The limited-edition calendar, which sold out on the day of launch last year, includes 24 festive surprises and the new 2025 UK 50p Brilliant Uncirculated colour coin. On Christmas Eve, one lucky customer will discover a Gold Proof The Snowman 50p coin tucked behind door 24.

The release marks the launch of a new The Snowman 50p, designed by award-winning illustrator Robin Shaw, which features The Snowman and James decorating the Christmas tree with sparkling lights. It is the eighth The Snowman 50p issued since the character first appeared on UK coins in 2018.

Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, said: “We’re so excited The Snowman is returning on a 50p this Christmas – and even more excited that a lucky customer will be surprised with a solid gold 50p on Christmas Eve. The Snowman is such a great British Christmas classic and collectors will be excited to add the eighth coin to their collections.”

Nearly 750,000 The Snowman 50p coins have been collected across 75 countries since the first design was struck. Illustrator Robin Shaw said: “It doesn’t get old seeing one of my designs appear once again on a 50p piece. This year’s coin captures the magic of Raymond Briggs’ most enduring creation, offering a lasting keepsake for fans of this festive tale.”

First published in 1978, Briggs’ wordless picture book has sold more than 5.5 million copies worldwide and inspired the 1982 Channel 4 film, which still airs every Christmas.

The new coin will be available from 9am on 14^th October in a range of finishes, including colour editions, with prices starting at £15 for a Brilliant Uncirculated Coin. It will be presented in bespoke packaging, making the perfect stocking filler and an ideal introduction to coin collecting – especially for kids starting their own collection. It will not enter general circulation.

The advent calendar will be priced at £35, with just 3,500 available – and only one will contain the hidden gold coin. Given last year’s rapid sell-out, strong demand is expected once again.

From 10th November, fans will be able to strike their very own 50p featuring The Snowman™ at The Royal Mint’s visitor attraction, The Royal Mint Experience, based in Llantrisant, South Wales. Tickets can be booked via The Royal Mint’s website.

For more information, visit www.royalmint.com