December 20, 2018 – Father Christmas™ is a short animated film based on two books written by Raymond Briggs: Father Christmas and Father Christmas Goes on Holiday 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.
Gibraltar / 50 pence / proof sterling silver colored / 8 g / 27.3 mm / Mintage: 4,500.
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.
Gibraltar / 50 pence / proof find 22ct gold / 8 g / 27.3 mm / Mintage: 199.
The design shows an illustration from Raymond Brigg’s book showing Father Christmas with his sack of presents over his shoulder with his satchel and flask on the other side. 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 Proof Sterling Silver Coloured and Proof Fine 22ct Gold.
More information on this and other coins made by the British Pobjoy Mint is available on the official website.
The 1991 short film “Father Christmas” is available on YouTube.
Raymond Briggs tells you more about how he came up with the idea for “Father Christmas” in this article in The Guardian.