Christmas comes early for Change Checkers as new UK coin is announced!

It might only be October, but we’ve already got that festive feeling at Change Checker HQ, as a brand new 2018 Christmas coin has just been announced!

In August we heard the exciting news that a Snowman 50p would be released this year, but on top of this, we are now delighted to reveal an early Christmas present for you all, as The Royal Mint will also be issuing a £5 coin this Christmas, featuring the Nutcracker!

2018 Nutcracker £5 coin

Christmas really has come early for us all, as this beautifully Christmassy, brand new coin for 2018 is now available to add to your Christmas list!

This fantastically festive coin design by acclaimed engraver, Harry Brockway features a magical scene from the Nutcracker ballet.. It is the very first time that the Nutcracker has appeared on a UK coin and is only available in Brilliant Uncirculated quality – dare I say it’s the perfect gift idea if you’re looking to get ahead with your Christmas shopping!

Let’s take a look back at some other UK Christmas Issues…

The FIRST EVER UK Christmas £5 coin

Last year saw the FIRST EVER UK Christmas £5 coin being struck by The Royal Mint, featuring a traditional Christmas tree design by engraver and printmaker Edwina Ellis.

The Christmas tree plays a key role in festive traditions, from decorating with baubles to keeping presents around the tree and opening them, so it is only fitting that one of the most iconic symbols of the festive period was featured on the first UK £5 Christmas Coin.

This seasonal sensation was so popular that The Royal Mint have struck again, and this year’s Nutcracker coin is sure to be another festive favourite!

The Christmas Nativity Story portrayed on the UK £20 Coin

In 2016, The Royal Mint struck a special Fine Silver £20 coin celebrating the Nativity story. The coin was designed by Bishop Gregory Cameron, who also created the design for the last ‘round pound’.

This was the first Christmas coin ever struck by The Royal Mint and was a limited issue with a mintage of only 30,000 coins. Struck in solid fine .999 Silver, this stunning coin weighs in at one half of an ounces – perhaps a bit heavy to hang on your Christmas tree!

The much anticipated Snowman 50p – due to be released later this year

This year will certainly be a merry one, as the Nutcracker £5 isn’t the only Christmas coin to be released this year. As already mentioned, a new 50p coin has been announced, featuring a depiction of the Snowman and the boy flying through the air, as taken from the book ‘The Snowman’.

It’s expected the coin will be issued later this year to celebrate 40 years of Raymond Brigg’s ‘The Snowman’, with commemorative collector’s editions available in Brilliant Uncirculated, Silver and Gold being made available.

So, will you be adding these coins to your Christmas list this year? We think they’re just wonderful and can’t wait to hear what Change Checkers think about these beautiful Christmas designs. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.


The only Christmas card you’ll want this year!

Why not send some festive cheer to friends and family with the Official Change Checker Christmas Card, featuring this beautiful Nutcracker £5 coin!

It’s the perfect way to wish a loved one merry Christmas so secure yours by clicking here >>