Posts Tagged ‘Christmas’
Released today: The Snowman coin we’ve all been waiting for…
Earlier in the year, we revealed that the incredibly popular Paddington 50p coins were to be followed up by a brand new 50p coin…
The coin has been officially released today and we are delighted to be able to reveal the design…
The coin has been issued by The Royal Mint to celebrate 40 years of Raymond Brigg’s classic story The Snowman, and features the Snowman and the boy flying through the air. It has been designed by a member of the Council of the British Art Medal Society, Natasha Ratcliffe, who also designed a number of coins in the Olympic 50p Series.
Commemorative collector editions are available in Brilliant Uncirculated, Silver with colour PAD printing and Gold but unfortunately due to the seasonal nature of the coin and insufficient demand from banks and cash centres, The Royal Mint have confirmed that the Snowman 50p will not enter circulation.
Keen collectors will know that it is not the first time that the snowman has appeared on a 50p coin. In fact the Christmas character has features on a number of different 50ps from The Isle of Man throughout the years, some of which are now listed on the secondary market for as much at £40.
So are you pleased with the design and was it worth the wait? Let us know in the comments below.
Add the brand new coin to your collection today for just £3.99
Click here to secure this season’s must-have 50p coin in Brilliant Uncirculated quality >>
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 >>
Change Checker Festive Games
Christmas is a time for socialising with friends and family and more often than not that involves playing a game or two.
However, maybe you’re bored on the annual family game of Monopoly? Maybe Granny always wins at Cluedo?
So, as an early Christmas present to all you Change Checkers we’ve created 3 coin inspired games for you to enjoy over the festive period.
Change Checker Christmas Quiz
Our quiz consists of 40 questions split over 4 categories: General Knowledge, United Kingdom, History and Sport.
Only a true numismatic whizz will get 40/40 on this quiz; you’ve been warned, there’s some pretty tricky questions!
You can play individually or why not ramp up the festive competitiveness and play as a team.
The winners get to open their presents first!
Download the quiz here: Change Checker Christmas Quiz
Change Checker Word Search
Who doesn’t love a Word Search?! There’s 21 change collecting words hidden amongst an array of letters and finding them all may take longer than you think.
Who will become the family Word Search champion this Christmas?
The last person to find all the words does the washing up!
Download the Word Search here: Change Checker Word Search
Change Checker Spot The Difference
You’ll need a very keen eye if you’re going to find all 10 differences. While some are more obvious than others, some are fiendishly difficult!
Why not challenge somebody to a race, who can spot all the differences the fastest?
The slowest person has to finish the brussel sprouts!
Download our Spot The Difference game here: Change Checker Spot The Difference
Answers to all the games can be found here