Coin featuring the classic festive Children’s character The Snowman is released

Three limited edition coins have been released in the run up to Christmas to celebrate Raymond Briggs’ classic book, the Snowman. 

Taking inspiration from the original hand-drawn book illustrations, The Royal Mint has worked in partnership with award winning illustrator Robin Shaw and Snowman Enterprises to create the special coins. 

The coins depict a famous scene showing James and The Snowman about to embark on their magical adventure to the North Pole. 

Three versions of the coin have been created for collectors, uncirculated coins will cost £10 each, silver proof coins cost £65 and the gold proof coins will be an eye-watering £980. 

Taking inspiration from the original hand-drawn book illustrations, The Royal Mint has worked in partnership with award winning illustrator Robin Shaw and Snowman Enterprises to create the special coins

The Christmas classic was turned into an animated film which captured the hearts of the British public and it seems this coin will have the same impact. 

The launch comes just one week after the release of their limited edition Wallace and Gromit 50p coins that were created to commemorate the 30 year anniversary of Wallace and Gromit hitting television screens across the UK. 

Designed by Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park and the team at Aardman Animations, the coin is based on the original short film ‘A Grand Day Out’ which was first screened in 1989. 

It also bears the Latin inscription ‘caseus praestans’, which translates as ‘cracking cheese’. 

Letters rejoice: Festive stamps are released commemorating biblical scenes including the birth of Jesus and the journey of the Three Wise Men 

The Biblical nativity story has been brought to life on this year’s Royal Mail Christmas stamps.

The six stamps show scenes from the Biblical story of the nativity, the annunciation, the journey of the Magi and the birth of Jesus Christ.

They were designed by paper-cut artists Hari & Deepti who used layers of intricate paper and light-boxes to create three-dimensional scenes that bring the stories to life.

The Christmas stamps are on sale from Tuesday, with recommended posting dates of December 18 for second class, December 20 for first class and December 23 for special delivery. 

The Biblical nativity story has been brought to life on this year’s Royal Mail Christmas stamps

The six stamps show scenes from the Biblical story of the nativity, the annunciation, the journey of the Magi and the birth of Jesus Christ

They were designed by paper-cut artists Hari & Deepti who used layers of intricate paper and light-boxes to create three-dimensional scenes that bring the stories to life