Coin collecting is a captivating hobby that combines history, art, and the thrill of discovering valuable pieces. In the UK, 50p coins hold a special place in the hearts of collectors. These seven-sided coins, which have been in circulation since 1969, feature a variety of designs, many of which hold significant value. Some are particularly valuable because of their rarity, historical importance, and limited mintage, making them sought-after items for enthusiasts.
Each year, the Royal Mint introduces new designs that often celebrate important milestones in British culture, history, and achievements. Some of these coins are released in limited numbers or for short periods, making them rare and difficult to find. For collectors, acquiring these special coins is both a challenge and a passion.
What Makes a Coin Rare?
A coin’s rarity is often determined by its mintage—essentially, how many were produced. Coins with smaller mintages are generally more valuable due to their limited availability in circulation. In addition to mintage, coins issued to commemorate special events or figures, such as the London 2012 Olympics or anniversaries of famous personalities like Beatrix Potter, tend to be highly prized.
Table of Contents
- 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p: The Rarest Coin
- The 2009 Kew Gardens 50p
- Olympic Football 50p (2011)
- Olympic Wrestling 50p (2011)
- Olympic Judo 50p (2011)
- Olympic Triathlon 50p (2011)
- Peter Rabbit 50p (2018)
- 2018 Flopsy Bunny 50p
- The Battle of Hastings 50p (2016)
2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p: The Rarest Coin
The 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p holds the distinction of being the rarest 50p coin in circulation today. Minted in celebration of Britain’s biodiversity, this coin features a beautiful and intricate design of the Atlantic salmon. With only 200,000 coins produced, it is the most elusive coin available to collectors. Its limited availability and connection to environmental conservation have made it particularly attractive to those interested in wildlife and sustainability, boosting its demand among collectors.
The 2009 Kew Gardens 50p
Arguably the most famous rare 50p coin, the 2009 Kew Gardens 50p was released to mark the 250th anniversary of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Featuring a depiction of the Kew Pagoda surrounded by climbing vines, this coin has captured the imagination of collectors. With only 210,000 minted, it remains one of the rarest and most coveted 50p coins. The design’s beauty and historical significance make it a “bucket list” item for many collectors, with its resale value often reaching up to £70.
Olympic Football 50p (2011)
Released as part of the 2011 London Olympics series, the Olympic Football 50p features a depiction of the offside rule in football. With a mintage of 1,125,500, it is less rare than some other coins on this list but still remains highly desirable. Its unique design and the connection to the popular sport of football make it a sought-after collector’s item, typically fetching between £15 and £20 depending on its condition.
Olympic Wrestling 50p (2011)
The Olympic Wrestling 50p, also part of the 2011 London Olympics collection, showcases two wrestlers in action. With a mintage of 1,129,500, it is another coin from the series that has gained popularity among collectors. Although wrestling may not enjoy the same level of mainstream popularity as other Olympic sports, this coin remains valuable to those focusing on Olympic memorabilia. Its price generally ranges between £10 and £15, depending on its condition.
Olympic Judo 50p (2011)
The Olympic Judo 50p, with a mintage of 1,161,500, features an action-packed design of two athletes in a judo match. Part of the 2011 London Olympics set, this coin appeals to both sports fans and coin collectors. The value of the Judo 50p typically ranges from £8 to £12, depending on the coin’s condition.
Olympic Triathlon 50p (2011)
Minted to celebrate the triathlon event at the London 2012 Olympics, the Olympic Triathlon 50p has a mintage of 1,163,500. This coin captures the intensity of the triathlon, which combines swimming, cycling, and running. Popular among both sports enthusiasts and coin collectors, it generally sells for £8 to £15, depending on the condition of the coin.
Peter Rabbit 50p (2018)
One of the most beloved coins in the Beatrix Potter series, the 2018 Peter Rabbit 50p has a mintage of 1,400,000. While it’s not as rare as some of the other coins on this list, it remains highly sought after due to the enduring popularity of the Peter Rabbit character. Prices for the coin typically range from £5 to £10, depending on its condition.
2018 Flopsy Bunny 50p
Released alongside the Peter Rabbit 50p, the 2018 Flopsy Bunny 50p features another character from Beatrix Potter’s stories. With a mintage of 1,400,000, this coin is relatively scarce and popular with younger collectors as well as fans of British literature. Its rarity and charming design ensure that it remains in demand.
The Battle of Hastings 50p (2016)
Commemorating the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings in 1066, this 50p coin features a design inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry. With a mintage of 6,700,000, it is less rare than some other coins on this list but still holds value due to its historical significance.
Conclusion: The 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p
The 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p coin stands out not only for its rarity—limited to just 200,000 coins—but also for its significance as part of the broader trend of environmentally focused coinage. This coin, celebrating the endangered Atlantic salmon, is an important part of the UK’s coin collection. As interest in the coin grows, it is likely to continue appreciating in value, making it a prized possession for any collector.
