Britons are being urged to check their pockets and purses for two rare 50p coins currently circulating in everyday change that could be worth up to £230 to collectors. Both coins remain legal tender across the UK but command significant premiums from coin enthusiasts.
In a clip posted on TikTok, a specialist known as the Coin Collecting Wizard told his audience about the rarest 50p coin currently in circulation. The Atlantic Salmon 50p from 2023 features King Charles III on one side and an Atlantic salmon on the reverse, with only 200,000 minted.
Verification and values
The Atlantic Salmon coin must meet specific criteria to command full value. It must be dated 2023 and have no privy mark on the King Charles III side of the coin. "If you find this 50 pence, then you can easily sell this one for around £80 to collectors," the Coin Collecting Wizard explained.
The Kew Gardens 50p from 2009 ranks as the second rarest but commands the highest price at around £150. This coin displays the iconic pagoda from Kew Gardens and remains highly sought after despite being over a decade old. "Even though it's in second place as the rarest, if you find the Kew Gardens in your change then no matter the condition you are selling this for around £150," he added.
Historic shift in coin collecting
Rebecca Morgan, 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."
This represents a significant milestone in UK coin collecting, with the Atlantic Salmon's emergence marking the first change in the rarest 50p ranking in over a decade. The introduction of King Charles III coronation coins has created new opportunities for collectors to find valuable pieces in everyday transactions.
Sources used: "PA Media", "The Mirror", "Daily Star", "Liverpool Echo" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
