An expert has urged Brits to check their loose change for specific 50p coins that could collectively be worth more than £300. These coins are still in circulation and could be worth significantly more than their face value.
A coin enthusiast known as the Coin Collecting Wizard took to TikTok to share his knowledge. He highlighted five types of 50 pence pieces that are particularly valuable.
“Have you ever actually spent the time to look at your 50 pence coins?” he asked. “Some have designs on them, making them valuable, you know.
“Think all your coins are worthless? Think again. Some 50ps in your change, could be worth £20, £50, even £100.
“Here are the ones to look out for.” The first coin he showcased was, until recently, the rarest 50p coin in the UK.
This 2009 coin features an image of the renowned pergola at Kew Gardens on its reverse side. The expert revealed: “First up, the 2009 Kew Gardens 50p. “
He explained why these are particularly desirable. “Only 210,000 were made – that’s insanely low,” he said.
According to the expert, these are currently worth £150 “or more”. At the time of writing, several of these coins were listed on eBay with prices ranging from £230 to £280.
He then advised people to look out for any Olympic 50p coins that were minted to commemorate the 2012 London games. He stated: “Next the Olympic 50ps from 2011.”
A total of 29 designs were crafted for this coin set, each representing a different sport. However, the most valuable are the wrestling, judo and football coins.
The Coin Collecting Wizard stated these could fetch between £15 and £25. He went on to say: “These can sell for £15 to £25 and you might already have one in your drawer.”
He wrapped up by discussing the rarest 50p currently in circulation. Known as the Atlantic salmon, these coins were minted in 2023 and feature King Charles III on their obverse.
He added: “How about the rarest 50p at the moment, which is the Atlantic salmon? Only 200,000 have been released into circulation and are currently worth around £80, possibly more. So next time you get an interesting design on your 50 pence coin, hold on to it as it might just be rare.”
Speaking about this coin, Rebecca Morgan, the director of commemorative coin at The Royal Mint said: “The releasing of mintage figures is an eagerly anticipated event among the coin collecting community – and this year is particularly exciting as we reveal the Atlantic salmon as the rarest 50p in circulation.
“For the first time in 15 years, the highly collectable Kew Gardens 50p loses its top spot as the rarest in circulation with the Atlantic salmon 50p splashing its way to number one. 2023 marked pivotal changes for the nation’s coinage, including the introduction of coins celebrating King Charles III’s coronation entering circulation.
“Finding these special designs, like the Atlantic salmon, in your change is a win for all collectors.”