Royal Mint Snowman 50p: how to buy The Snowman And The Snowdog collectable coins - how much do they cost?

The Royal Mint has unveiled a new collectable 50p coin celebrating a decade since the release of The Snowman And The Snowdog.

The new coin will feature Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait on the “heads” side of the coin and is the fifth commemorative Snowman 50p released by the Mint.

The 2022 design, created by illustrator Robin Shaw, used digital colour printing technology to bring the story of The Snowman And The Snowdog to life.

It tells the story of a boy named Billy, who discovers the original snowman-making kit hidden under his bedroom floorboards. Billy builds the snowman and, with a little leftover snow, a snowdog. That night, the two come to life and Billy joins them on an adventure.

The first Snowman coin was released by the Mint in 2018 in collaboration with Snowman Enterprises Limited and licensed by Penguin Ventures (part of Penguin Random House UK).

Rebecca Morgan, director of collector services at the Royal Mint, said: “The Royal Mint first celebrated the heart-warming tale of The Snowman on official UK coins in 2018.

“Today, we are delighted to introduce another collectable 50p coin to the series celebrating 10 years since the release of The Snowman And The Snowdog. This year’s design is just as charming as ever and features an exclusive design by award-winning illustrator Robin Shaw.”

Mr Shaw added: “It’s a joy to be revisiting The Snowdog after 10 years. I’ve always been rather pleased when he’s around and imagined him keeping The Snowman company when we’re not looking.”

How to buy the new 50p

The new 50p coin is available to buy from the Royal Mint’s website and comes in a few different versions.

An uncirculated coin in standard silver is available at £11, or there is a gold version priced at £20. On the pricier side is a silver proof Coin that costs £69.50, or a gold proof version at £1,195. A limited edition 2022 advent calendar is also available for £30.

When will King Charles III coins enter circulation?

The Royal Mint has announced that coins featuring the King’s image will gradually begin to enter circulation from December.

The first coins to feature King Charles III will be a 50p, with his portrait facing towards the left. The reverse of the coin features a design that originally appeared on the 1953 Coronation Crown.

The Latin inscription surrounding the effigy reads: “• CHARLES III • D • G • REX • F • D • 5 POUNDS • 2022” which translates to: “King Charles III, by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith”.

The design was created by artist John Bergdahl in collaboration with the Royal Mint and will form part of a wider memorial coin collection.