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Every Christmas, in addition to carols and lights, Gibraltar celebrates a very special tradition: the issuance of commemorative Christmas coins. Since 1988, the small British territory has released a collectible coin each year alluding to Christmas, a custom that has endured for more than three decades and continues to generate excitement among residents and collectors. These Christmas coins have become coveted pieces, not only for their endearing festive theme but also for their increasing numismatic value: the first 50-pence coin issued in 1988, for example, now fetches prices exceeding £250 in the collectors' market. Below, we explore the origins of this tradition and focus on the 2025 Christmas edition, discovering its designs, materials, and the charm it holds.
Origins of a numismatic Christmas tradition
The idea of minting a special coin each Christmas originated in Gibraltar in 1988, when the then Minister, Sir Joe Bossano, spearheaded the issuance of the first Christmas coin, accompanied by a Christmas greeting card. That initiative proved to be an immediate and resounding success, selling out locally and later generating international interest. Year after year, the Government of Gibraltar has continued this annual series without interruption, making it the longest-running commemorative collection in Gibraltarian numismatics. Each coin is issued in a limited edition, which has contributed to many of them increasing significantly in value over time.
What makes these Christmas coins special, besides their limited mintage, is the fusion of festive tradition and numismatics. Many Gibraltarian families have embraced this custom, giving the coin of the year as a Christmas souvenir. In fact, since 2020 the collection has been expanded with the inclusion of a 2-pound coin alongside the classic 50-pence coin. This combination of festive souvenir and legal tender has cemented the series as a cultural and collectible treasure: it embodies the local Christmas spirit while attracting collectors from around the world eager to acquire each new annual issue.
The 2025 Christmas Collection: Santa Claus on the Rock
In its 2025 Christmas edition, Gibraltar keeps the magic alive with two commemorative coins featuring endearing designs. The obverse of both coins displays the effigy of King Charles III, the current British monarch, while their reverses showcase Christmas scenes set against the unique backdrop of the Rock of Gibraltar.
50 pence (50p) coin – Father Christmas flying over the Rock
Gibraltar commemorative 50p coin (2025). On the reverse, Santa Claus rides through the night sky in his reindeer-drawn sleigh, delivering gifts and flying over the moonlit Rock of Gibraltar. A traditional Christmas tree is visible to the right, and the inscription “Merry Christmas” appears around the top edge.
The 2025 50p coin is made of cupronickel (a copper-nickel alloy) and has the classic seven-sided heptagonal shape, just like the British 50p coins. Its design depicts Santa Claus—or Father Christmas, as he is known in Gibraltar due to Anglo-Saxon influence— flying in his sleigh over the silhouette of the Rock of Gibraltar, with a Christmas tree completing the festive scene. The phrase “Merry Christmas” tops the design, conveying a greeting directly engraved in the metal. It is legal tender officially issued by the Government of Gibraltar and minted by the Tower Mint in London. Despite its small face value, it is primarily a Christmas souvenir and collector's item. The basic version is sold individually, but many enthusiasts choose to purchase it inserted in an illustrated Christmas card, enhancing its appeal as a seasonal gift.
2 pound (£2) coin – Santa Claus in front of the Rock
Gibraltar 2-pound commemorative coin (2025). The reverse features Santa Claus standing next to his sack of gifts, with the majestic Rock of Gibraltar in the background. Above is the inscription “Merry Christmas,” and the design incorporates festive details framing the scene.
The 2025 £2 coin completes the Christmas collection with an equally charming design. As a legal tender bimetallic coin (similar in composition to the UK £2 coin), it features a gold outer ring and a silver core. On the reverse, we see Santa Claus posing in front of the Rock of Gibraltar, perhaps pausing his route to deliver presents. Classic elements surround him: his faithful reindeer (depicted next to the sleigh) and the silhouette of the Rock add a local Gibraltarian touch. As with the smaller coin, the inscription “Merry Christmas” appears on the upper rim, while the face value, Two Pounds, is indicated at the base of the design. This £2 coin, also minted by Tower Mint and issued by Gibraltar, is available both individually and in a limited-edition Christmas card presentation.
A collectible treasure with a festive flavor
Beyond their visual appeal, Gibraltar's Christmas coins have become a collector's item and a beloved element of local festivities. Each new issue arrives with the expectation of keeping the Christmas magic alive in precious metal or gleaming alloys. For Gibraltarians, these coins represent a proud symbol of identity: they combine the British tradition of Santa Claus and Christmas themes with the unmistakable backdrop of the Rock, an icon of their land. In the international numismatic world, the series stands out for its continuity and originality: few commemorative coin initiatives have managed to run annually for so many years while maintaining their popularity. As Sir Joe Bossano, the mastermind behind the original idea, noted, this annual collection is Gibraltar's longest-running and most successful commemorative coin, thanks to its limited mintages and the increasing value of the coins over time.
In short, Gibraltar's Christmas coins fuse festive spirit with numismatic passion. The 2025 edition, featuring Santa Claus flying overhead and waving from the Rock, invites you to celebrate Christmas in a tangible and lasting way. Whether as a family keepsake, a unique gift, or an investment for collectors, these coins shine brightly every December, perpetuating a sweet tradition that combines the magic of Christmas with the art of coinage.
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