In 2018, The Royal Mint created their first ‘Snowman’ fifty pence. Whilst this is clearly not in any way original (basically trying to take over from where the Isle of Man left off) it was nice to have a UK release with this on. After all, since the animated version of Raymond Briggs’ book was first screened in 1982 (complete with ickily memorable and irritatingly catchy theme song), ‘The Snowman’ has gone on to become an instantly recognisable and integral part of Christmas here in Britain.
The first coin in the series was very nice. The second (2019) was pretty crap really. On this one the character basically resembled a standing stone and there was little else to it at all; in a word – bleak. The third (2020) coin certainly managed to get things back on track. Also as it tied in nicely with the global pandemic, The Royal Mint (or Change Checker – I forget which) made a point of saying how ‘poignant’ it was to have a Christmas coin featuring a hug – when no-one could actually have one. Hmmmm. Did we all need our noses rubbing in it? Anyhow, back to this release lol.
So here we are with coin number four in the series. The good news is that the design on this is very good indeed. In my opinion it is possibly the best one yet. Like the 2018 release, this picture is rich in detail and encapsulates the whole story really well. When you allow your eyes to wander over the design there is plenty to take in and the whole thing has a magical Christmas feel about it. Well done Robin Shaw. A job well done indeed!
Specifications :
50p Brilliant Uncirculated Coin –
Alloy – Cupro-Nickel
Diameter – 27.30mm
Weight – 8.00g
Mintage – Unlimited*
Obverse Designer – Jody Clark
Reverse Designer – Robin Shaw
50p Brilliant Uncirculated Colour Coin –
Alloy – Cupro-Nickel
Diameter – 27.30mm
Weight – 8.00g
Mintage – 11,510*
Obverse Designer – Jody Clark
Reverse Designer – Robin Shaw
50p Silver Proof Coin –
Alloy – 925 Ag
Diameter – 27.30mm
Weight – 8.00g
Mintage – 8,010*
Obverse Designer – Jody Clark
Reverse Designer – Robin Shaw
50p Gold Proof Coin –
Alloy – 916.7 Au
Diameter – 27.30mm
Weight – 15.50g
Mintage – 310*
Obverse Designer – Jody Clark
Reverse Designer – Robin Shaw
*All mintages quoted are MCM (Maximum Coin Mintage). This means this is the most coins that may be issued. Ultimately, it is down to The Royal Mint to decide how many are minted so the reality is that each number given may turn out to be lower.
© Article and images (except where stated) copyright Mik Smith 2022
