Brits have been urged to look out for a highly sought after 50 pence coin that could be worth hundreds of pounds. This piece features a beloved Christmas story character and could fetch around £300 if sold to a collector.

According to an expert, known online as the Coin Collecting Wizard, the 2008 50p adorned with the image of the Snowman from the Raymond Briggs book is worth finding.

Speaking on social media platform TikTok, he said: “This 50 pence is worth over £300.

“This sought after collectible coin is a new addition of a rare Christmas themed design first issued in 2003 inspired by Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman first published in 1978.

“The magical tale of a young boy’s snowman coming to life was adapted into a short animated film in 1982, which has become a mainstay of British festive TV schedules.”

Both the 2003 and 2008 designs were created to mark anniversaries of the book’s publication.

He continued: “The 2003 snowman and James coin was the first in a popular series produced in partnership with Popjoy Mint to mark the 25th anniversary of the original storybook.

“This 2008 coin struck for the 30th anniversary recreates the 2003 design showing James and his snowy companion ready to take to the air in front of some seasonal fir trees.

“The value of this point increased dramatically over the years and easily sells for over £300 today.”

At the time this article was first published a copy of this coin was listed on eBay for £1,095.