Posts Tagged ‘Christmas coins’

For me, Christmas isn’t complete without The Snowman™. Every year, it’s guaranteed to put a smile on my face.

First published in 1978, the book has sold more than 5.5 million copies in 15 different languages! In 1982, the story was also adapted into an animated film by Channel 4.

Whichever version you prefer, it’s fair to say The Snowman™ has earned its title as one of the world’s greatest tales.

One of my favourite scenes from the tale, is when James is building his Snowman and we see him draw on a big smile.

So, this is why the 2021 UK Snowman™ 50p, is one of my favourite festive coins. This exact scene from the book can be seen on the design of this 50p and if you’re like me, it’s bound to warm your hearts this winter.

The new design by award winning illustrator and animator, Robin Shaw, continues the celebrations of the 40^th anniversary of Raymond Briggs’ much-loved festive tale, The Snowman™.

It would be hard to find someone who doesn’t have fond memories of this magical festive tale, making this 50p the perfect Christmas gift for collectors and Snowman fans alike.

As you’d expect with such a special 50p, your coin has been struck to a superior Brilliant Uncirculated quality and carefully encapsulated in Official Change Checker Packaging with the all-important security hologram, guaranteeing its quality.

Whether you’re treating yourself, or a loved one this Christmas, there’s snow way you’ll want to miss this 50p issue. To secure yours for JUST £4.50 (+p&p), simply click here >>

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In the rest of this blog, I give you my top tips for building your own snowman and I invite you to discover the history of The Snowman™ on coins.

So, grab yourself a blanket, a cup of cocoa, and cosy up!

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2020 UK The Snowman™ 50p

Issued in 2020 to continue the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of Raymond Briggs’ classic Christmas tale, Robin Shaw’s design of this 50p takes inspiration from the friendship between The Snowman™ and James.

This coin is no longer on sale at The Royal Mint, meaning it’s not as easy to get hold of. Luckily, Change Checker has some remaining stock of this charming 50p. To secure yours whilst stock lasts, click here >>

2019 The Snowman™ 50p

In 2019, The Snowman™ made his second UK 50p appearance, featuring alongside his friend James, set against the snowy mountains they famously fly over in the tale.

At the time of its release, it was the second Christmas 50p to be ever be released in the UK, with previous festive releases being dedicated to the £5 coin!

2018 The Snowman™ 50p

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Christmas classic, Natasha Ratcliffe’s design of this 2018 50p features The Snowman and James ‘walking in the air’…

This 50p was so popular that the Silver Proof version completely SOLD OUT on the first day of issue!

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Whilst the 2018 release marked the first time that The Snowman™ appeared on a UK coin, it’s not the first time that this frosty friend has appeared on a 50p…

Isle of Man Snowman 50ps

Over the years, The Snowman has featured on a number of different 50ps from The Isle of Man, some of which are incredibly sought after.

One such coin from 2003 featuring James and The Snowman™ sold for over £250 on the secondary market in 2019 – not a bad return on a 50p coin!

Isle of Man coinage is particularly sought-after by collectors as mintages are significantly lower than in the UK, due to a population of around 85,000.

As these coins are very similar in appearance and specification to UK coins, they can sometimes find their way over here when people return from holidaying on the island.

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As winter approaches and the weather gets even colder, it’s got me thinking about building my own snowman…

Here are some helpful tips so you can build the best snowman this year!

1. The best time to pack snow is when it approaches melting point and becomes moist and compact. This means you can build a big snowball by simply rolling it (which saves a lot of your energy!)
2. A good time to build a snowman may be the next warm afternoon directly following a snowfall with a sufficient amount of snow. This ensures the snow has had time to approach melting point!
3. Protect your snowman from the sun damage! Give your snowman the best shot at a long life by situating it someplace flat and shady and face it away from the sun.
4. Help your snowman find its balance! Aim for a 3-2-1 snowball ratio and remember, the lower to the ground your snowman is, the more stable it will be.
5. Jim Sysko, an expert snowman builder who worked on the largest snowman in the world, suggests flattening the top of each snowball before placing the next one on top. That way your snowman will have more stability.
6. Personalise your snowman! Just because the process of building a snowman has remained unchanged for centuries, doesn’t mean you can’t add your own spin on things with decorations! Why not give it a funky cap or repurpose last year’s Christmas jumper?

I’d love to know in the comments if you’ve got any other tips for building a snowman!

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The 2021 UK The Snowman™ 50p is definitely my favourite festive 50p of recent years. Which Snowman 50p is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!

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Secure the 2021 UK The Snowman™ 50p today!

Secure yours today for JUST £4.50 (+p&p) by simply clicking here >>

As you’d expect with such a special 50p, your coin has been struck to a superior Brilliant Uncirculated quality and carefully encapsulated in Official Change Checker Packaging with the all-important security hologram, guaranteeing its quality.