Royal Mint hides £2,495 gold Snowman 50p coin inside £39.95 advent calendar

One lucky Christmas shopper could be in for a festive fortune after The Royal Mint hid a £2,495 gold coin inside one of its advent calendars.

The surprise treasure celebrates beloved Christmas classic The Snowman – and could turn an ordinary countdown to Christmas into a golden moment.

The calendars cost £39.95 and contain 23 chocolate coins, but the real treat lies behind door 24. Each calendar features a brilliant uncirculated colour edition of the 2026 Snowman 50p coin. However, one lucky buyer will discover something far more valuable: a 22-carat gold version worth £2,495 when purchased individually from The Royal Mint. That means someone could strike gold on Christmas Eve, simply by opening their festive calendar.

Collectors and fans can also buy the new Snowman commemorative coins separately, with prices starting at £19.95. Created in partnership with Snowman Enterprises Limited, the collection includes brilliant uncirculated and colour editions, alongside gold and silver versions.

The commemorative 50p design features a brand-new festive illustration by animator and illustrator Robin Shaw. It shows the much-loved Snowman decorating a Christmas tree alongside young James, bringing a fresh twist to one of Britain's most cherished seasonal stories.

Raymond Briggs' The Snowman was first published in 1978 before being adapted for television, captivating generations of children and adults with its magical tale. The animated adaptation, famous for its enchanting soundtrack and the song Walking in the Air, has become a Christmas television favourite.

The 2026 release marks the ninth time the iconic Snowman has appeared on an official UK coin, according to The Royal Mint. The latest collection offers fans a chance to own a festive keepsake while giving coin enthusiasts another design to add to their collections. But with just one advent calendar containing the coveted gold edition, the hunt for the ultimate Christmas surprise is on.

For £39.95, shoppers could get 24 days of festive anticipation – and one person could discover a coin valued at thousands of pounds behind their final door.