A lucky seller has made an astonishing 250 times the value of a rare Kew Gardens 50p coin, which sold for £139 in an eBay auction after attracting 20 bids.
Why Is the Kew Gardens 50p So Valuable?
The Kew Gardens 50p was released in 2009 to commemorate 250 years since the opening of the Royal Botanic Gardens in 1759.
- The coin features a detailed engraving of the Chinese Pagoda at Kew Gardens on the tails side.
- The obverse side bears the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
- Only 210,000 copies were produced by The Royal Mint, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after coins in the UK.
This limited circulation means collectors are willing to pay well over its face value, with some previous sales reaching £200 or more.
What Makes a Coin Valuable?
The value of a coin depends on several key factors:
- Rarity – The fewer coins in circulation, the more collectors will pay.
- Mintage Number – The number of coins produced by The Royal Mint directly impacts their value.
- Condition – Coins that remain undamaged and well-preserved fetch higher prices.
- Demand – Some designs become highly collectable, increasing their worth.
The Rarest 50p Coins in the UK
The Royal Mint has revealed the most valuable 50p coins in circulation based on mintage numbers:
| Coin | Year | Mintage (Number of Coins Produced) |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Salmon | 2023 | 200,000 (Rarest 50p in circulation) |
| Kew Gardens | 2009 | 210,000 |
| Olympic Wrestling | 2011 | 1,129,500 |
| Olympic Football | 2011 | 1,161,500 |
| Olympic Judo | 2011 | 1,161,500 |
| Olympic Triathlon | 2011 | 1,163,500 |
| Peter Rabbit | 2018 | 1,400,000 |
| Flopsy Bunny | 2018 | 1,400,000 |
| Olympic Tennis | 2011 | 1,454,000 |
| Olympic Goalball | 2011 | 1,615,500 |
The New Rarest 50p in Circulation
Until recently, the Kew Gardens 50p was considered the rarest 50p coin in the UK. However, in 2023, the Atlantic Salmon 50p, featuring King Charles III’s portrait, overtook it, with just 200,000 coins in circulation—10,000 fewer than the Kew Gardens edition.
How to Spot Valuable Coins in Your Change
If you’re looking to cash in on rare coins, check your wallet, change jar, and even down the back of the sofa for 50p pieces that could be worth far more than their face value.
Collectors are always searching for rare coins, and websites like eBay and specialist numismatic auctions are great places to sell them.
Final Tip
If you believe you have a rare coin, keep it in good condition—scratches, marks, and wear can reduce its value. Happy hunting!
