People are being urged to check their purses and wallets after a rare 50p coin recently sold for more than 220 times its value. The Atlantic Salmon 2023 coin is regarded by the Royal Mint as the rarest 50p coin in the UK. Just 200,000 were minted when it entered circulation at the end of November 2023.
Recent eBay sale
A recent listing on online auction site eBay, which was sold on September 20, saw the coin sell for a staggering £113. The listing read: "This coin was issued in the era of Charles III, who began his reign in 2022. The coin's design likely features the iconic Atlantic Salmon, making it a unique and collectable piece for coin enthusiasts and collectors alike. The absence of a privy mark adds anonymity to the coin, making it a sought-after item among those interested in British currency."
Other recent listings have seen the coin sell for around £100. The coin was one of eight designs representing flora and fauna from across all four UK nations following King Charles III’s accession to the throne in 2022.
What makes coins valuable
When it comes to what coins have a higher value, there are a few rules. Generally speaking, the rarer the coin, also known as a low mintage, the higher value the coin might carry. On top of that, printing errors and coins tied to major historical events can increase their value.
Some rare coins can be sold for as much as hundreds of pounds, with 50p coins being particularly valuable due to their unique, seven-edged design that is easy to recognise, and their ample surface area for more intricate designs.
Top 10 rarest 50p coins
Below is a list of the 10 rarest 50p coins, according to the Royal Mint. The Atlantic Salmon 2023 leads with a mintage of 200,000, followed by Kew Gardens 2009 at 210,000. Olympic Football 2011 has a mintage of 1,125,500, Olympic Wrestling 2011 at 1,129,500, Olympic Judo 2011 at 1,161,500, Olympic Triathlon 2011 at 1,163,500, Peter Rabbit 2018 at 1,400,000, Flopsy Bunny 2018 at 1,400,000, Olympic Tennis 2011 at 1,454,000, and Olympic Goalball 2011 at 1,615,500.
