Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 50 Pence 2020, Sp# H91, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, The Snowman
  • 50 Pence 2020, Sp# H91, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, The Snowman
Description

The Snowman is a children's picture book without words by English author Raymond Briggs, first published in 1978 by Hamish Hamilton in the United Kingdom, and published by Random House in the United States in November of the same year. The book was adapted into a twenty-six-minute animated television special in 1982, which debuted on Channel 4 in the UK on 26 December. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. The animated special became prominent in British popular culture and its showings have since become an annual festive event.

On a cold winter’s night a snowman comes to life and befriends the little boy who built him. After exploring the boy’s house together and sharing a candlelit feast, the pair fly across the frozen countryside, before racing home to beat the dawn, but wonder turns to sadness. The next morning, the boy wakes to find his snowman has melted.

As the story of The Snowman turns 40 in 2018, the Royal Mint presented commemorative coins struck especially for the occasion. This year the magic returns to The Royal Mint with the third ever Snowman coin. The fold-out packaging features illustrations by Robin Shaw – Assistant Director of The Snowman and the Snowdog.

Obverse

The fifth crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem and drop earrings.

The George IV State Diadem, officially the Diamond Diadem, is a type of crown that was made in 1820 for King George IV. The diadem is worn by queens and queens consort in procession to coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The piece of jewellery has been featured in paintings and on stamps and currency. It can be seen in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FIDEI DEFENSATRIX means Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen and Defender of the Faith.

Engraver: Jody Clark

·ELIZABETH II·D·G·REG·F·D·50 PENCE·2020
J.C

Reverse

Depicts James and the Snowman reunited in a warm embrace in a poignant design that captures the depth of their friendship.

Design: Snowman Enterprises

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 8 g
Diameter 27.3 mm
Thickness -
Shape polygon
Sides 7
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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