Following the success of the 2018 Father Christmas coin, Pobjoy Mint presents a new design featuring Father ChristmasTM 2019. Father ChristmasTM is a character derived from a British Children’s book written and illustrated by Raymond Briggs.
The books known as Father Christmas and Father Christmas Goes on Holiday were published in 1973 and 1975 respectively. Father Christmas in these publications is a different interpretation of the stereotypical character.
He still looks like the Santa we all know and love with his large white beard and red suit, however Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas is rather grumpy and works from a normal house coping with every day domestic chores with no Mrs Claus or elves to assist him. The only other occupants of the house are his cat and dog and two reindeer.
The first book won the annual Kate Greenaway medal from the Library Association in 1973 which recognised the year’s best children’s book illustration by a British subject. In addition, for the 50th Anniversary of the medal in 2005, a panel names it one of the top ten winning works.
The design shows an illustration from Raymond Brigg’s book showing Father Christmas with his dog at his feet and his cat sitting on his shoulder. The inscription reads ‘Father Christmas’ and the value ‘FIFTY PENCE’ is shown at the base. Approved by the Licensor and Buckingham Palace, which is very fitting as in the book the last delivery is to the Palace, the obverse of the coin carries the Pobjoy Mint effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
This stunning 50 Pence coin has now been struck in Cupro Nickel Diamond Finish Coloured and Uncoloured, all Proof Sterling Silver coloured, Silver Peidfort Coloured and Proof 22ct Gold.
More information on this and other coins made by the British Pobjoy Mint are available on the official website.
The 1991 short film “Father Christmas” is available on YouTube.
Raymond Briggs tell you more about how he came up with the idea for “Father Christmas” in this article in The Guardian.
