A coin collecting expert has urged Britons to examine their loose change carefully, as a specific 50p piece from 2009 could be valued at up to £150. The sought-after coin features the iconic Chinese Pagoda from London's Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
The 'Second Rarest' 50p in Circulation
In a social media post, an authority known as the Coin Collecting Wizard highlighted the coin's significance. He described the Kew Gardens 50p as the "second rarest" 50p coin still found in circulation in the UK, making it a highly desirable find for collectors and the public alike.
"The Kew Gardens 50p is a true change checker's dream," the expert stated. "With its famous pagoda design, it's a favourite among collectors and not an easy find at all. If you're lucky enough to come across one, it can be worth around £150, depending on condition."
Why Is The Kew Gardens Coin So Valuable?
The Royal Mint has confirmed the coin's legendary status among numismatists. A key factor in its high value is its exceptionally low mintage of just 210,000 coins released into general circulation in 2009. The Mint notes that demand for the 50p denomination was low at the time of its release, explaining the scarce number produced.
On its reverse (tails) side, the coin displays a design by Christopher Le Brun RA, featuring the famous pagoda entwined with a leafy climber. The obverse (heads) side bears the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
"Just 210,000 were released into circulation and with almost all of them in private hands, the chances of coming across one in your change are slim," the Royal Mint explained, adding that collectors "go crazy" for this particular design.
A New Champion for the Title
While the Kew Gardens 50p has long been the holy grail for change checkers, it recently lost its crown as the absolute rarest UK 50p. In 2023, the newly minted Atlantic salmon design, commemorating the ascension of King Charles III to the throne, took the top spot for rarity.
Nevertheless, the 2009 Kew coin remains a hugely valuable and exciting discovery. The expert's message serves as a potent reminder: checking your everyday change can genuinely pay off. A small piece of metal lurking in your pocket or purse could be worth a significant sum to the right collector.
So, next time you receive a 50p coin, take a moment to look at the design. You might just be holding a small fortune.
