Introduced in 1969 as a seven-sided coin, the 50p coin has advanced through the years from a typically used coin to a collectible object. Hundreds of in particular designed 50p coins had been issued over the many years, with some becoming rather treasured due to their rarity, historic significance, or printing errors.
This article discusses ten of the rarest 50p coins issued by the Royal Mint that continue to fascinate collectors. The value of those coins now and again will increase hundreds or maybe thousands of instances.
2009 Kew Gardens 50p
Issued in 2009 to mark the 250th anniversary of the Royal Botanic Gardens in London, the Kew Gardens 50p coin is one of the most famous and rarest coins for present-day coin collectors. Its layout depicts a Chinese pagoda and a decorative vine that paperwork the numeral “50.” The coin had a production run of simply 210,000, which changed into extremely low as compared to different commemorative coins. Its rarity became initially no longer recognized, but as cognizance of its value grew, its price increased enormously. Today, an average used Kew Gardens 50p is really worth around £150-170, while the latest and unworn coins can reach prices of £250-300.
2011 Olympic Aquatics 50p (Original Design)
There were 29 exceptional 50p designs released as part of the London 2012 Olympic collection; however, one specific design stands out for its extreme rarity. The unique 2011 Aquatics 50p layout depicts a swimmer with water streaking throughout their face. Subsequently, the design was modified so that the swimmer’s face is clearly visible. Only 600-800 coins of this design were ever minted, and it is now a rare coin. It can fetch up to £800-1500, depending on how good the coin is.
1992-93 EC Single Market 50p
Issued in 1992-93, this coin was minted to mark the United Kingdom’s presidency of the European Council. Only 109,000 of this coin have been produced, making it uncommon. However, the cause for this coin’s scarcity is that this coin was commonly minted and later discarded after the introduction of smaller-sized 50p coins. Today, it could be worth as much as £50-80, even as new and unworn coins can promote for as much as £150-200.
2017 Sir Isaac Newton 50p
This coin had a production run of 1.8 million, which doesn’t sound very rare in general. However, it was sold exclusively at Woolsthorpe Manor, Newton’s birthplace, making this coin unlikely to be in general circulation. It costs £35-60, while if the coin is new and unworn, it can sell for £80-120.
2018 Peter Rabbit and Floppy Bunny 50p Coins
The 2018 Peter Rabbit and Floppy Bunny coins have become rare due to their small production run. Their production numbers were 1.4 million and 1.35 million, while other Beatrix Potter coins had much higher production numbers. These coins normally cost £4-8, while brand new coins can sell for £12-18.
2015-16 Britannia 50p
The Britannia design was retired in 2008 but was issued again for one year in 2015-16. Production was 2.8 million, which is less than other common coins. This coin costs £2-4, and new coins can sell for £12-18.
1998 NHS 50p
This coin was issued in 1998 to mark the 50th anniversary of the National Health Service. Production was 5 million, and its historical significance makes it a collectible coin. This coin usually fetches £10-12, and unworn coins can sell for £25-30.
1994 D-Day Landings 50p
This coin was released in 1994 to mark the 50th anniversary of the landing of Allied forces in Normandy. Although it had a production run of 6.7 million, it was in the older, larger size 50p coins, which were discontinued in 1997. It is worth £4-8, while uncirculated coins can sell for up to £20-30.
2002 Commonwealth Games England 50p
The England version was the rarest of the coins released for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, with a production run of just 2.5 million. It is worth £15-20, and uncirculated coins can sell for up to £30-50.
2019 Sherlock Holmes 50p
Issued to mark the 160th anniversary of Sherlock Holmes, this coin also features an excellent design. The production run of 8.6 million makes it not very rare, but its intricate design has earned it a special place among collectors. It costs £1.50-2.50, and brand new coins can sell for £8-12.
Tips for finding rare coins
If you are also on the hunt for these coins, then there are some ways to increase your chances of success:
- Thoroughly sift through the jar of old coins. Many times people take out rare coins from their old coins.
- Look at the coins according to the year. The value of many coins is linked to their year of production.
- Ask the elders in the family if they have a collection of old coins. Many rare coins can be found in Grandma’s or Grandpa’s old coin jars.
Coin Authenticity and Safety
It is not just important to find the coin, but also to properly identify and protect it. Handle the coin carefully to avoid any dirt or oil. Use special coin holders or albums to store coins.
Conclusion
The 50p coin has made its journey from a common currency to a collectible. The rarity and collectability of these coins have made them an exciting hobby, and today these coins have gone from being plain change to something extraordinary.
FAQs
1. What is the rarest 50p coin?
The 2009 Kew Gardens 50p is considered the rarest, with only 210,000 minted. Its value has grown significantly over time, now worth up to £250-300 for unworn coins.
2. Why is the 2011 Olympic Aquatics 50p coin rare?
The original 2011 Aquatics 50p design was changed, and only 600-800 coins were minted. It can be worth between £800-1500 depending on condition.
3. How many 1992-93 EC Single Market 50p coins were produced?
Only 1.09 million 1992-93 EC Single Market 50p coins were minted. These are rare today and can fetch up to £200 in unworn condition.