We're not long into November, but already there are Christmas decorations in the shops and now, there's a Christmas-themed 50p that's been released! That's right, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Snowman - a Christmas favourite for generations - three versions of a special 50p have been announced.
Two versions of the 50p coin, a silver proof and a gold proof coin, are no longer available, due to their popularity, however coin enthusiasts can pre-order the uncirculated The Snowman version of the 50p, for £10.
On the website, the Royal Mint say, 'As the story of The Snowman turns 40, The Royal Mint is excited to present this commemorative coin struck especially for the occasion. Raymond Briggs’ celebrated characters are brought to life in a wonderfully dynamic design – modelled by Robin Shaw, Assistant Director of The Snowman and the Snowdog. The boy and the snowman soar through the night sky together above the twinkling lights of Brighton Pier – a beautiful keepsake that captures the magic of this enchanting festive favourite.'
The announcement of this new coin comes just a month after there was much excitement about a new Paddington Bear 50p coin. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Paddington Bear, The Royal Mint released some new 50p pieces into circulation, which are expected to be worth quite a bit MORE than their face value!
There are two different coins entering circulation with Paddington Bear on it, one with him sitting on a suitcase at Paddington train station, and one of him outside Buckingham Palace.
Back in September there was also much excitement over a rare Peter Rabbit 50p. The Peter Rabbit 50p coins were released back in 2016, to commemorate 150 years since Beatrix Potter's birth, however, despite the millions in circulation, they are still quite sought after.
Now take a look at some of special coins and notes:
Special Money - coins and notes
1 of 14UK Crowned Shield £1 coin
Although they are fairly common, they can currently fetch around £3 - £5.50. They are one of the oldest £1 coins around having been minted in 1988, just five years after the £1 coin was introduced.
2 of 14Edinburgh City £1 coin
This was released in 2011 and is thought to be worth £12 - £16.
3 of 14Scotland's Thistle and Bluebell £1 coin
Even with a mintage of 5.1 million it is worth £3 - £5 to collectors.
4 of 14Cardiff City £1 coin
This coin features the Coat of Arms of Cardiff as the principal focus to represent Wales. It is thought to be worth £11 - £15.
5 of 14London City £1 coin
Although more common than the Scottish and Welsh versions it is still worth £5 - £8.
6 of 14EC and Kew Gardens
Dating back to 1992/3 this larger 50p coin (left) was issued to celebrate the British presidency of the council of Europe. No longer in circulation could be worth around £40.The Kew Gardens design was minted to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the foundation of the Royal Botanic Gardens. Only 210,000 coins were made and is now expected to sell on eBay for £70 - £100.
7 of 142011 WWF and 2012 The Offside Explained
2011 WWF design of the 50p (left) can often sell for around £200 to collectors.The Offside Explained 50p apparently regularly changes hands for around £10.
8 of 142012 Olympics - Swimmer
Early versions of the coin show the swimmer with the water covering their head, however later versions have the lines of water removed.According to eBay only 600 of the early version are in circulation, fetching up to £3000 when they were first placed on eBay.
9 of 14New fiver (£5)
The new £5 note was released into circulation on the 13th September 2016. Notes with serial numbers starting with AA or AK 47 sold for much more than than their face value.
10 of 14New tenner (£10)
The new £10 note, featuring Jane Austen was released on 14th September 2017.As before many with the serial number AA or AK 47 were highly sought after as well as those with serial numbers relating to Jane Austen's birthday, date of death, or date the Pride and Prejudice was first published.
11 of 14Peter Rabbit 50p
The Peter Rabbit collectable coin is available to buy from the Royal Mint.
12 of 14Benjamin Bunny 50p
Benjamin Bunny was released earlier this year (2017).
13 of 14Tom Kitten 50p
Tom Kitten was released earlier this year (2017).
14 of 14Jeremy Fisher 50p
Jeremy Fisher was released earlier this year (2017).
If you're a coin collector, or you just enjoy some of the fun designs that are available these days, the check out the Scarcity Index on changechecker.org. The Scarcity Index shows how likely you are to come across one of the unusual designs, which could be an indication of how much it might be worth.
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