BRIGHTON Palace Pier is to feature on a new limited-edition 50p coin.

The Royal Mint announced it will be releasing a series of coins featuring Raymond Briggs’ creation The Snowman.

The coin, the first design to be made entirely colour, celebrates 40 years since the publication of the book.

It captures the scene where the snowman flies over the Palace Pier with a backdrop of city lights and twinkling stars.

It was designed by artist Natasha Ratcliffe who has previously worked on the London 2012 and Paralympic Games 50p series.

She said: “Growing up, I remember reading The Snowman and sitting down on Christmas Day to watch the animated version was something of a family tradition.

“When I was asked to create a design for this new series I was excited, but also nervous as I know the story means so much to people and the illustrations are a huge part of that.”

Thomas Merrington, creative director at Penguin Ventures, said: “It was a key ambition for us to work with the Royal Mint once again for The Snowman’s 40th anniversary. He appeals to such a wide audience from grandparents to children alike and these beautiful coins will make perfect keepsakes for every fan of The Snowman.”

There are three versions of the coin – nickel, gold and silver – and they are available from www.royalmint.com. Only the silver one is coloured. Prices range from £10 to £775.

Raymond Briggs, who lives in Westmeston, near Ditchling, created the classic tale from his home and studio in the Sussex Downs. The house that appears in The Snowman is based on his own home and the view from the boy’s window was inspired by the view from his studio.

The Royal Pavilion also makes an appearance.

Raymond spent 25 years teaching illustration at the Brighton School of Art between 1961 and 1986, seeing it transform into Brighton Polytechnic, now Brighton University.

Nicola Howell, from the Royal Mint said: “We are thrilled to be a part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of Raymond Briggs’ book The Snowman.

“Over the past few years, the Beatrix Potter and Paddington collections have been incredibly popular with our collectors and we believe this stunning flying scene depicting The Snowman and James captured on a commemorative 50 pence coin will be equally well treasured by children and adults alike.”