The Royal Mint regularly releases limited edition coins that can become very valuable. Among these, the 50p coins are some of the most sought-after. These coins are often worth much more than their face value, sometimes fetching hundreds of pounds in the right conditions. If you’re lucky enough to have a rare 50p coin in your collection, you could be sitting on a small fortune. In this article, we will take a look at the most rare and valuable 50p coins currently in circulation, and explain how you can identify these coins and determine their worth.
The Most Valuable 50p Coins in Circulation
Salmon 50p Coin – Worth Up to £120
Minted in 2023, the Salmon 50p coin features a beautiful image of a salmon leaping out of the ocean. This coin also marks the first time King Charles III’s portrait is featured on a coin. With only 200,000 of these coins in circulation, it’s considered quite rare. Recently, some of these coins have sold for as much as £120 on eBay.
Kew Gardens 50p Coin – Worth Up to £700
The Kew Gardens 50p coin, minted in 2009, is famous for its stunning design of the famous gardens. With only 210,000 in circulation, this coin is highly sought after by collectors. The highest sale of this coin reached £707, although recent auctions have seen prices around £320.
Peter Rabbit 50p Coin – Worth Up to £30
Released in 2018, the Peter Rabbit 50p coin features the beloved character from Beatrix Potter’s children’s books. With a mintage of 1,400,000, this coin is not as rare as some others, but it still fetches a fair price, up to £26 at auctions.
Flopsy Bunny 50p Coin – Worth Up to £17
This coin was issued in 2018 to celebrate the tale of “Flopsy Bunny” from Beatrix Potter. With 1,400,000 coins in circulation, it is relatively common, but still worth up to £16.50 in recent sales.
Royal Shield 50p Coin – Worth Up to £8
The Royal Shield 50p coin, redesigned in 2017, features a coat of arms that represents the nations of the UK. With a mintage of 1,800,000, this coin can be worth up to £7.95, depending on its condition.
| Coin Name | Year of Minting | Mintage | Approximate Value | Recent Sale Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon | 2023 | 200,000 | Up to £120 | £120 (Oct 14) |
| Kew Gardens | 2009 | 210,000 | Up to £700 | £320 (Oct 13) |
| Peter Rabbit | 2018 | 1,400,000 | Up to £30 | £25-£26 (Oct 13) |
| Flopsy Bunny | 2018 | 1,400,000 | Up to £17 | £16.50 (Oct 14) |
| Mrs Tittlemouse | 2018 | 1,700,000 | Up to £16 | £15.99 (Oct 13) |
| Royal Shield | 2017 | 1,800,000 | Up to £8 | £7.95 (Sept 29) |
| Sir Isaac Newton | 2017 | 1,801,500 | Up to £20 | £19.50 (Oct 1) |
| Jemima Puddle-duck | 2016 | 2,100,000 | Up to £8 | £7.85 (Oct 14) |
| Suffragettes | 2003 | 3,124,030 | Up to £5 | £4.50 (Oct 1) |
| WWF Panda | 2011 | 3,400,000 | Up to £2 | £2 (Oct 1) |
How to Find Out What Your Coin is Worth
If you think you might have a rare 50p coin, it’s easy to check its value. You can search for it on eBay and check sold listings to see how much it has recently sold for. There are also websites like Coin Hunter that can help estimate the value based on recent sales.
Conclusion
Rare 50p coins are an interesting and potentially lucrative part of British currency. If you’re lucky enough to find one, it could be worth far more than you expected. However, it’s important to check its condition, rarity, and design before expecting to sell it for hundreds of pounds. Whether you’re just starting your coin collection or have been collecting for years, knowing how to spot valuable coins can help you get the most out of your collection.
FAQ’s
What is the most valuable 50p coin?
The most valuable is the Kew Gardens 50p, which can sell for up to £700.
How can I check if my 50p coin is valuable?
You can check the coin’s value by searching for it on eBay or using websites like Coin Hunter.
What makes a 50p coin valuable?
The rarity, design, mintage, and condition of the coin are key factors that determine its value.