Rare Christmas 50p could be worth hundreds

A new design of a rare Christmas-themed 50p coin has been released. The collection first launched in 2003 and was inspired by Raymond Briggs' The Snowman.

TikTok user @CoinCollectingWizard says the new design could be worth over £300. In 2003, The Snowman and James 50p was released as a limited-edition coin in partnership with Popjoy Mint. It was the first in a popular series to mark the 25th anniversary of the original book. The coin is quite rare and only 10,000 were ever minted.

First published in 1978 as a wordless picture book, The Snowman has since sold millions of copies worldwide. The book inspired an animated short film that was first broadcast on Channel 4 on December 26 1982.

READ MORE: Urgent recall issued for Iceland Christmas toy that presents 'injury' risk

READ MORE: Glastonbury rumoured 2025 lineup including headliners

A 2008 coin which recreated the original 2003 coin showed James and the Snowman ready to take flight against a snowy background. According to the coin expert, the value of the coin has "increased dramatically over the years" and "easily" sells for over £300 today.

The Royal Mint has revealed a new 50p coin will be released ahead of Christmas 2024 with The Snowman depicted on it. The coin will be available in a range of precious metal finishes, including colour editions on the Royal Mint's website.

The Mint have said that to celebrate the launch of the Snowman 2024 collectable 50p, it has hidden a solid gold coin behind the number 24 on one of its advent calendar doors. One lucky customer who purchases the limited-edition, The Snowman advent calendar will be able to find it on Christmas Eve.

This year’s reverse (tails) design shows The Snowman decorating a Christmas tree. A selection of the coins will feature colour, bringing the story to life on the small canvas of a 50p coin.