Coin collectors and casual changers alike are being urged to examine their 50p coins, as the Royal Mint has unveiled its list of the rarest coins currently in circulation. Since the introduction of the 50p coin in 1971, over 70 variations have been minted, with some designs fetching significantly more than their face value.
The 50p coin, known for its heptagonal shape, is the largest British coin and has been used to commemorate significant events throughout the past five decades. Its rarity is determined by the number of coins minted, design features, and condition, making some pieces highly sought after.
Among the rarest is the Kew Gardens 50p, created to celebrate the gardens' 250th anniversary in 2009. With only 210,000 minted, this coin has an average selling price of £156.25, but one seller managed to sell theirs for over £700 on eBay.
Other valuable coins include those from the 2011 Olympics, such as the wrestling, football, and judo designs, each with a mintage of just 1.1 million. Additionally, 2018's Flopsy Bunny and Peter Rabbit coins, celebrating Beatrix Potter, are also valuable, averaging around £5.
In 2019, the Royal Mint produced 500 million coins featuring new designs, including Sherlock Holmes and Paddington Bear, but collectors are still on the lookout for those elusive rarities.