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Wednesday 8 November 2023

3071) The World of the Snowman, United Kingdom (UK): "Christmas Coin Series": Sixth Coin in the Series - A 50-pence Coin issued by the Royal Mint (RM) features Raymond Briggs’ timeless, magical tale of a young boy and his snowman: Date/Year of Coin issue: 11/2023:

3071) The World of the Snowman, United Kingdom (UK): "Christmas Coin Series": Sixth Coin in the Series - A 50-pence Coin issued by the Royal Mint (RM) features Raymond Briggs’ timeless, magical tale of a young boy and his snowman: Date/Year of Coin issue: 11/2023:

The Royal Mint has issued the sixth design in its popular Christmas 50-pence coin series celebrating Raymond Briggs’ timeless, magical tale of a young boy and his snowman. 

First released in 2018, each design captures a special scene in the story featuring the snowman and James and is depicted in full colour on both the sterling silver Proof and cupro-nickel versions.

The story began as a wordless picture book, created and illustrated by the late Raymond Briggs in 1978. Published by Puffin, The Snowman has sold over 5.5 million copies around the world

The heartwarming story of a boy who befriends a magical snowman has become a classic winter’s tale that is now synonymous with Christmas in Britain. 

First broadcast on British television on the 26.12.1982, "The Snowman" is a 26-minute animated film based on Raymond Briggs’ publication. 

The softly illustrated animated scenes were paired together without spoken dialogue and became an immediate success, receiving a nomination for the 1982 Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film

A sequel titled - "The Snowdog" was subsequently released in 2012 to similar popularity.

The 2023 Coin Design:

- For 2023, the latest design continues the enchanted story of James, who builds a snowman that magically comes to life, and both boy and snowman embark on an unforgettable adventure. 

- The design team at the Royal Mint has combined its traditional craftsmanship with innovative digital colour printing technology to bring the design to life, keeping true to the hand-drawn, nostalgic quality of artist Robin Shaw’s sketches, which are inspired by Raymond Brigg’s original illustrations. 

On the Reverse of the 50 Pence Coin issued in Cupro-nickel, Silver and Gold variants is depicted a scene where the snowman, as he comes to life, happily dances with James, still in his bathrobe and in his backyard.

On the Obverse of the 50 Pence Coin issued in Cupro-nickel, Silver and Gold variants includes, for the first time in the Christmas series, the effigy of King Charles III designed by engraver Martin Jennings. 

The peripheral inscriptions read - "CHARLES III. D.G. REX. FD. 50 PENCE. 2023".

The Coins have been issued in several 50 Pence Variants:

i) The specifications of the Gold Coin are:

Country: United Kingdom (UK); Coin Series Theme: “The World of the Snowman Coin Series"; Coin Theme: "The Snowman happily dancing with James"; Coin issue Date/Year: 2023; Denomination: 50 Pence; Metal Composition: .9167 Fineness Gold (Au); Weight: 15.5 grams; Diameter/Size: 27.3 mm; Mint: Royal Mint, UK;  Maximum Mintage: 100 pieces; Coin Quality: Proof; Presentation Case: Yes; Certificate of Authenticity (COA): Yes, numbered. Coin Designer:Royal Mint Team.

Remarks: The Gold Proof coin is encapsulated and presented in a hardwood high-gloss case accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity (COA)

ii) The specifications of the Silver Coin are:

Country: United Kingdom (UK); Coin Series Theme: “The World of the Snowman Coin Series"; Coin Theme: "The Snowman happily dancing with James"; Coin issue Date/Year: 2023; Denomination: 50 Pence; Metal Composition: .925 Fineness Silver (Ag); Weight: 8.0 grams; Diameter/Size: 27.3 mm; Mint: Royal Mint, UK;  Maximum Mintage: 5,000 pieces; Coin Quality: Proof with applied colour; Presentation Case: Yes; Certificate of Authenticity (COA): Yes, numbered. Coin DesignerRoyal Mint Team.

The Silver Proof variants are presented in a custom Perspex/Lucite transparent cube case enabling the coin to be displayed and viewed from both sides

iii) The specifications of the Cupro-nickel Coin (first Variant) are:

Country: United Kingdom (UK); Coin Series Theme: “The World of the Snowman Coin Series"; Coin Theme: "The Snowman happily dancing with James"; Coin issue Date/Year: 2023; Denomination: 50 Pence; Metal Composition: Cupro-nickel (CuNi); Weight: 8.0 grams; Diameter/Size: 27.3 mm; Mint: Royal Mint, UK;  Maximum Mintage: Unlimited pieces; Coin Quality: Brilliant Uncirculated (BU); Presentation Case: Blister-pak type Folder; Coin DesignerFfion Gwillim.

- The Brilliant Uncirculated base metal variants are presented in a Christmas-card type format suitable for exchanging as a holiday greeting

iv) The specifications of the Cupro-nickel Coin (second Variant) are:

Country: United Kingdom (UK); Coin Series Theme: “The World of the Snowman Coin Series"; Coin Theme: "The Snowman happily dancing with James"; Coin issue Date/Year: 2023; Denomination: 50 Pence; Metal Composition: Cupro-nickel (CuNi); Weight: 8.0 grams; Diameter/Size: 27.3 mm; Mint: Royal Mint, UK;  Maximum Mintage: 10,000 pieces; Coin Quality: Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) with applied colour (AC); Presentation: Blister-pak type Folder; Coin Designer: Royal Mint Team.

- The special edition cupro-nickel colour reverse is presented in a folder with illustrations of the snowman and text describing the animated film









Links:

1) Did You Know Series (87): Basil Brown, a self-taught archeologist unearthed the Sutton Hoo Treasures - a 27 metre long (86 ft.) Anglo-Saxon burial ship, and an enormous Gold, Silver and other metals Treasures which were donated to the British Museum by Mrs. Edith Pretty, the owner of the site: Year of Treasure first excavated: 1939 (when World War II was looming large)

The World of the Snowman Coin Series:

i) "The World of the Snowman", United Kingdom (UK): "Christmas Coin Series": Sixth Coin in the Series - A 50-pence Coin issued by the Royal Mint (RM) features Raymond Briggs' timeless, magical tale of a young boy and his snowman: Date/Year of Coin issue: 11/2023

MV Empire Windrush - 75 Years:

1) MV Empire Windrush - 75 Years," United Kingdom: i) The Arrival: ii) The Windrush Scandal - The Windrush Generation: iii) The Hostile Environment Policy: iv) Breaking New Ground: v) National Windrush Day: vi) The Stamp Set and Coin Combo issued by Royal Mail and Royal Mint, UK: Date/Year of Stamp issue: 22.06.2023:

2) "MV Empire Windrush - 75 Years," United Kingdom: i) The Arrival: ii) The Windrush Scandal - The Windrush Generation: iii) The Hostile Environment Policy: iv) Breaking New Ground: v) National Windrush Day: vi) The Stamp set and Coin combo issued by the Royal Mail and Royal Mint, UK: Date/Year of Combo issue: 22.06.2023

Music Legends Coin/Stamp Series:

1) "The Who", United Kingdom: The iconic Rock Group features on the latest "British Music Legends" Collector Coin Series issues from the Royal Mint UK: Date of Coin Release: 24.05.2021 

2) Music Giants III, QUEEN, UK: A comprehensive Coin and Stamps Combo issued by the Royal Mail UK in collaboration with the Queen Band and the Royal Mint, UK: Date of Coin & Stamp combo issue: 09.06.2020

3) "Rolling Stones", United Kingdom: "Music Legends Coin Series": Fifth Coin in the Series: Gold, Silver and Cupro-nickel Coins feature the timeless Rock Band: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2022

4) 50 Years of Pink Floyd: Two Commemorative Stamp sets (Presentation Sets) brought out by the Royal Mail, UK on 07.07.2016: 1) 50 Years of Pink Floyd: A set of six stamps issued, their most popular studio albums 2) Legendary Live Performances: A set of four stamps issued depicting four of their memorable tours

5) "Yellow Submarine", A song sung by the English Rock Band - "The Beatles" in 1966, Gibraltar: A 5 Pounds Silver Coin minted by the crown Mint features the iconic song sung by the legendary Rock Group: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2022

6) Iron Maiden (a Heavy Metal English Band), United Kingdom (UK): A set of eight stamps issued on the legendary Band by Royal Mail UK: Date of Stamp set issue: 12.01.2023

7) "Shirley Bassey", United Kingdom: "Music Legends Coin Series": Sixth Coin in the Series minted in Cupro-nickel, Gold and Silver features the timeless Diva who gave the title songs in three James Bond movies - "Diamonds ae Forever", "Moonraker" and Goldfinger": Date/Year of Coin issue: 2023

8) "The Police", United Kingdom: "Music Legends Coin Series": Seventh Coin in the Series minted by the Royal Mint, UK in Cupro-nickel, Gold and Silver features the timeless British Rock Band: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2023

Arthurian Links:

1) King Arthur: The first coin in the six coins "Camelot Series"



Links on other Railway Posts on this blog:

1) Celebrating 150 Years of serving the Indian Nation by the Railways in 2002-2003

2) 150th Anniversary of Railways in Japan (1872-2022): The Japan Mint has issued a 1,000 Yen Silver Coin to commemorate the milestone: Date/Year of Coin issue: 04.10.2022

Steam Power - Australian Rail Heritage Coin Series:







Other Links:





Classic Children's Literature Coin Series:


A Tribute to the Life of Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022):

i) A Tribute to the Life of Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) featuring "The Royal Cipher", British Antarctic Territory (BAT), "Proclamation", South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (SG & SSI), "Double Portrait", Falkland Islands: Pobjoy Mint, UK has brought out a limited edition 3-Coin 50 Pence Set with Pearl Black Finish and Privy Mark: Year of Coin issue: 2022:

ii) Charles III, United Kingdom: Effigy unveiled on memorial 5 Pound Crowns and 50 Pence Coins

iii) Late Queen Elizabeth II and Ascension of King Charles III: A Combo of i) Four Postage stamps issued by the Royal Mail Tallents House, Edinburgh and a ii) Memorial 50 Pence Coin Cover issued by the Royal Mint, UK

iv) The Coronation of King Charles III, United Kingdom: Gold and Silver Bullion Coins issued by the Royal Mint (UK) celebrate the event: Date/Year of Coins issue: 06.05.2023

v) Queen Elizabeth II's 90th Birthday: A Souvenir Sheet issued by the Royal Mail, UK featuring four generations of Windsors on 21.04.16 

vi) Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations (1952-2012): A Five Pound Commemorative coin issued by the Royal Mint, UK



1) 200 Years of the Discovery of Antarctica, Estonia: A 2 Euro Commemorative Coin dedicated the the Bicentenary of the Discovery of Antarcticca by Admiral Fabian Gottlieb Benjamin von Bellingshausen on board the "Vostok": Coin issue date: 01/2020

2) Solomon Islands: 250th Anniversary of Captain James Cook's first Pacific "Voyage of Discovery" and charting of New Zealand and Australia's East Coast: Date of Coin issue: 2020















Links: Postage Stamps from the British Isles:

























37) Sherlock Holmes, United Kingdom: A set of six stamps issued by Royal Mail, UK featuring the characters of the modern version of a TV Serial "Sherlock" started in 2010 by the BBC, together with Cupro-nickel & Silver Medals minted by the Royal Mint, UK: Date of Stamp Set issue: 18.08.2020














53) Gibraltar Cryptocurrency Stamp: Stamp value 4 Pounds: Date of Stamp issue: 15.05.2021: (Pre-ordered accepted from 19.04.2021)

54) The Calf Of Man Nature Reserve", Isle of Man, A British Crown Dependency (BCD): 75th Anniversary" Celebrations (1946-2021): A set of ten Stamps issued by the Isle of Man Post (IOMP) commemorating the milestone of this Biosphere Island: (Also includes the EUROPA Stamp on "Endangered National Wildlife" theme designated by PostEurop for 2021): Date of Stamps issue: 12.04.2021

55) "The Who", United Kingdom: The iconic Rock Group features on the latest "British Music Legends" Collector Coin Series issues from the Royal Mint UK: Date of Coin Release: 24.05.2021

56) "Sark - Dark Sky Island", Guernsey, A British Crown Dependency (BCD): This "GuernseyTogether" Series of stamps by Guernsey Post features drawings made by Sark school-children: Date of stamp set issue: 19.08.2020

57) Surfing in Jersey, a British Crown Dependency (BCD): A set if six stamps issued by Jersey Post featuring contemporary photographs taken by Jersey photographers: Date of Stamp Set issie: 18.05.2021

58) Dennis and Gnasher, United Kingdom: 70th Anniversary (1951-2021): A set of sis Stamps issued by Royal Mail, UK, featuring the popular comic strip: Date of Stamp Set issue: 01.07.2021

59) The Palace of Westminster, United Kingdom: 10th Anniversary molestone (1870-2020): Royal Mail UK has issued a set of Ten Stamps featuring the iconic Palace: Date/Year of Coin issue: 30.07.2020

60) Industrial Revolutions, United Kingdom: Royal Mail, UK has brought out a set of stamps featuring the Industrial Revolutions: Date of Stamp Set issue: 12.08.2021

61) Frances Hodgson Burnett and "The Secret Garden", Alderney, A British Crown Dependency (BCD): A set of six postage stamps issued by Guernsey Post on behalf of Aldernay Islands: Date of Stamp set issue: 01.09.2021

62) "75th Anniversary of MENSA" (1946-2021", Isle of Man, A British  Crown Dependency (BCD): A set of six stamps issued by the Isle of Man Post (IOMP): Date of Stamp Set issue: 01.10.2021

63) Non-Value Indicator (NVI) Definitive Stamps, United Kingdom (UK): Date of Stamps issue: 01.02.2022

64) "Heart of the Forest", Guernsey , A British Crown Dependency (BCD): Guernsey Post has brought out the first part of a Stamp quartet which takes inspiration from the "Love Paper" Global Campaign: Date/Year of Stamp issue: 09.02.2022

65) Harvest of the Sea, Jersey, A British Crown Dependency (BCD): Jersey Post has issued a set of six stamps depicting six different sea foods: Date/Year of Stamp set issue: 17.02.2022























Innovations in Science 50 Pence Coin Series:

Music Legends Coin Series:

1) "The Who", United Kingdom: The iconic Rock Group features on the latest "British Music Legends" Collector Coin Series issues from the Royal Mint UK: Date of Coin Release: 24.05.2021 

2) Music Giants III, QUEEN, UK: A comprehensive Coin and Stamps Combo issued by the Royal Mail UK in collaboration with the Queen Band and the Royal Mint, UK: Date of Coin & Stamp combo issue: 09.06.2020

3) "Rolling Stones", United Kingdom: "Music Legends Coin Series": Fifth Coin in the Series: Gold, Silver and Cupro-nickel Coins feature the timeless Rock Band: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2022

4) 50 Years of Pink Floyd: Two Commemorative Stamp sets (Presentation Sets) brought out by the Royal Mail, UK on 07.07.2016: 1) 50 Years of Pink Floyd: A set of six stamps issued, their most popular studio albums 2) Legendary Live Performances: A set of four stamps issued depicting four of their memorable tours

5) "Yellow Submarine", A song sung by the English Rock Band - "The Beatles" in 1966, Gibraltar: A 5 Pounds Silver Coin minted by the crown Mint features the iconic song sung by the legendary Rock Group: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2022

6) Iron Maiden (a Heavy Metal English Band), United Kingdom (UK): A set of eight stamps issued on the legendary Band by Royal Mail UK: Date of Stamp set issue: 12.01.2023

7) "Shirley Bassey", United Kingdom: "Music Legends Coin Series": Sixth Coin in the Series minted in Cupro-nickel, Gold and Silver features the timeless Diva who gave the title songs in three James Bond movies - "Diamonds ae Forever", "Moonraker" and Goldfinger": Date/Year of Coin issue: 2023

Links to "Great Engravers Coin Series":

1) "William Wyon", United Kingdom (UK): "Great Engravers Coin Series": First Coin in the Series features Wyon's Gothic Crown in Gold and Silver: Date/Year of Coin issue: 06.12.2021

2) "William Wyon", United Kingdom (UK): "Great Engravers Coin Series": Second Coin in the Series featuring the Obverse of Wyon's Gothic Crown in Gold and Silver: Date/Year of Coin issue: 02/2022 (with Date of issue marked as 2021)

3) "The Petition Crown", United Kingdom: "Master Engravers Coin Series": Thomas Simon's Crown Coin designed as a direct response to the newly restored King Charles II to consider his own work for use on English coinage: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2023

The World of David Walliams Coin Series:





 Posts on the UK Coins and Stamps:

"Tales of the Earth Coin Series": The Second Dinosaurs Collector Coin Series:

i) Prehistoric Temnodontosaurus, United Kingdom: "Tales of the earth Coin Series": First coin in the "Second Dinosaurs Collector Coin Series" features on Gold, Silver & Cupro-nickel 50 Pence Coin Variants: Date/Year of Coin issue: 25.02.2021 Variants

Myths & Legends Coin Series:

1) "ROBIN HOOD", United Kingdom: "Myths and Legends Coin Series": First Coin in the Series: Silver 2 UKP (2 Pounds) and Gold 100 UKP(100 Pounds) Bullion Coins issued by the Royal Mint UK featuring the famed/legendary Outlaw: Year of Coin issue: 2021

2) The Legend of Robin Hood, United Kingdom: Royal Mail, UK has issued a set of ten postage stamps depicting the legend of Robin Hood: Date of Stamp Set issue: 13.04.2023

3) "MERLIN", United Kingdom: "Myths and Legends Coin Series": Second Bullion Coin in the Series: Silver 2 UK Pounds & 5 UK Pounds and Gold 25 and 100 UK Pounds Bullion Coins and 5 Pounds Cupro-nickel issued by the Royal Mint UK featuring the legendary wizard: Year of Coin issue: 2023

A Tribute to the Life of Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022):

i) A Tribute to the Life of Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) featuring "The Royal Cipher", British Antarctic Territory (BAT), "Proclamation", South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (SG & SSI), "Double Portrait", Falkland Islands: Pobjoy Mint, UK has brought out a limited edition 3-Coin 50 Pence Set with Pearl Black Finish and Privy Mark: Year of Coin issue: 2022:

"The Queen's Beasts" Coin Series, UK issues:



"Tales of the Earth - Dinosauria" Coin Series, UK issues:

Links to some other interesting posts from the British Isles and British Overseas Territories/Dependencies:

Central Bank of Ireland issues:



3) Irish Myths & Legends: 1) The Children of Lir;2) Cu Chulain; 3) The Omniscient Salmon of Knowledge; 4) Werewolves of Ossory; 5) The Brown Bull of Cooley and Deirdre of the Sorrows: An Annual Mint Set from the Central Bank of Ireland, recreates/celebrates Irish Folk Tales (Issue date: 30.04.2018)




Bank of Ireland issues:


Northern Ireland Bank issues:

1) Northern Ireland Polymer Bank Issues: Danske Bank (10 Pounds Polymer Banknotes), Bank of Ireland (5 & 10 Pound Polymer Banknotes) to go into circulation in 2020/21






Inspirations from Scottish History (Clydesdale Bank Banknotes): 

  
2) Commemorating Sir William Arrol and his creation the Forth Rail Bridge by issues of Britain's first ever 5 Pound Polymer Banknote
Banknotes from Royal Bank of Scotland:


British Crown Dependencies/Overseas Territories:



3) Currency & Coinage of the Bailiwick of Guernsey











22) "Medusa The Gorgon": British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT): A Silver Double Crown (4 Pounds), 2 Oz High relief Coin with antique Finish: Fourth Coin in the series titled "Mythical Creatures" issued by Pobjoy Mint UK on behalf of BIOT in 09/2018




27) Concorde, a Stamp set from Gibraltar, A British Overseas Territory (BOT): 50th Anniversary of the first Supersonic Passenger Carrying Airplane, jointly built by France and Great Britain: Stamp set issue date:  20.04.2019



30) Manannan, the First King of Isle of Man or Mann: A Silver 5 Pounds Coin brought out by the Isle of Man in collaboration with Coin Invest Trust (CIT) and minted by B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt, Munich

‎31) 200th Anniversary of John Keats' "Odes to a ....", Alderney Island: A set of six Postage stamps issued by Guernsey Post which brings out stamps on behalf of Alderney Island - 1) Ode on a Grecian Urn,(48p) 2) Ode on Indolence (65p), 3) Ode on Melancholy (66p), 4) Ode to a Nightingale (80p), 5) Ode to Psyche (90p), 6) Ode to Autumn (98 p) : Stamp Set issue date: 24.07.2019‎32) Isle of Mann: Celebrating the 200th Birth Anniversary of the Birth of Herman Melville, the author of the classic Moby Dick: A six Stamp Set issued on 22.07.2019

































Gold Sovereign Coins:
  



Silver Sovereign Coins:


British India Coinage:



3) Edward VII: King & Emperor  Coinage





5) The British Empire: A Case of Numismatic "Segregation": (Guest Post by Rahul Kumar)



 British Coinage:


2) Transformation of a Five shilling Coin (Crown) into the UK Twenty-five Pence & then the Five Pound Coin
4) The 350th Anniversary of the Guinea: A Two Pound Coin issued by the Royal Mint UK celebrating the milestone





 Commemorative British Coinage:



3) Coins commemorating London Olympics & Paralympics (2012)

5) Commemorating the 100th Birth anniversary of Christopher Ironside with his " Royal Arms" design on a 50 Pence coin issued by the Royal Mint, UK 

The Brixton Pound:

4 comments:

  1. Rajan Trikha has commented:
    "Very informative and interesting post."

    ReplyDelete
  2. Raj Kumar Srivastava has commented:
    "Very impressive."

    ReplyDelete