The Royal Mint has issued a commemorative 50p coin to mark the 90th anniversary of Monopoly and has hidden a solid gold coin in one of its advent calendars to be discovered on Christmas Eve.
Unveiled at the Royal Mint’s site in Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taf, the coin is the first time a board game has been celebrated on a United Kingdom coin. The design depicts Mr Monopoly alongside property cards and classic game tokens, and incorporates a tilting element on the “GO” sign that reveals the game’s “M” money symbol when turned.
Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at The Royal Mint, said the design paid tribute to “a game that has brought families together for nine decades.” Marianne James, senior vice president of global licensing at Hasbro, added: “Monopoly has been part of family life for 90 years, creating unforgettable memories around the table for generations. To see the brand celebrated on an official UK coin is a truly special milestone, and we’re delighted to partner with The Royal Mint to bring this to life.”
The commemorative 50p will be available in silver and gold editions, and can be purchased via The Royal Mint’s website for £15 for the circular base collectible. As part of the launch celebrations, The Royal Mint said it had placed a solid gold version of the coin behind door 24 of one of its advent calendars for someone to find on the night before Christmas.
Monopoly was first launched in 1935 and has since been translated into 47 languages. Hasbro and other figures associated with the brand estimate more than 275 million copies have been sold worldwide and that the game has been played by about one billion people. The game’s paper currency has been described by some as the most widely printed money in the world.
The Royal Mint’s release underscores Monopoly’s long-running place in popular culture and its continued commercial appeal. The collaboration positions the board game not only as a household pastime but also as a subject for numismatic collectors, joining other commemorative issues that mark cultural milestones.
The new coin and the accompanying collectables will be offered through The Royal Mint’s online store; separate pricing applies for different metal finishes and presentation options. The solid gold coin hidden in the advent calendar will be revealed if the finder opens door 24 on Christmas Eve.