These coins are highly sought after by collectors making them extremely valuable.
Brits have been urged to check their change for specific 50p coins, which combined could be worth more than £300. These pieces are still in circulation and could fetch far more than their face value.
Speaking on social media platform TikTok, a coin expert known as the Coin Collecting Wizard, explained more. He shared examples of five types of 50 pence coins that are especially valuable.
“Have you ever actually spent the time to look at your 50 pence coins?” he said. “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 revealed was, until recently, the rarest 50p coin in the UK.
This coin, from 2009, showcases an image of the famous pergola at Kew Gardens on its reverse side. The expert said: “First up, the 2009 Kew Gardens 50p. “
He explained why these are particularly sought after. “Only 210,000 were made – that’s insanely low,” he said.
According to the expert, these are worth £150 “or more” at the moment. At the time of reporting, a number of these coins could be found on eBay listed at prices between £230 and £280.
Next he told people to keep an eye out for any Olympic 50p coins that were made to commemorate the 2012 London games. He said: “Next the Olympic 50ps from 2011.”
A total of 29 designs were created for this set of coins all depicting different sports. But the most valuable are the wrestling, judo and football coins. The Coin Collecting Wizard said these could sell for between £15 and £25.
He continued: “These can sell for £15 to £25 and you might already have one in your drawer.” He concluded by talking about the rarest 50p currently out there.
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.”
In reference to 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.”