The coin is known as the rarest 50p currently in circulation in the UK
Brits are encouraged to check their change for a 50p coin still in circulation that could sell for far more than its face value. According to an expert, this coin could go for an “easy £100”.
The coin in question has officially been named the “rarest” 50p in circulation by the Royal Mint. It was produced in 2023 as part of a new collection in honour of the coronation of King Charles III.
As the name suggests, it features the image of an Atlantic Salmon on its reverse (tail side) while King Charles’ portrait is on the obverse (head side). What makes this coin particularly sought after is the fact that only 200,000 of these were ever made.
This makes it the lowest-minted 50p in circulation, just beating the 2009 Kew Gardens coin, of which 210,000 were made. In a video uploaded to social media platform TikTok, an expert known as the Coin Collecting Wizard said: “You can sell this coin for an easy £100 right now.
“The Atlantic Salmon 50p is now the rarest 50p coin in active circulation, with only 200,000 released to UK banks and Post Offices. This is an exciting day in the world of coin collecting as the Atlantic Salmon coin takes the crown from the almighty Kew Gardens 50p, which held the title for the past 15 years.
“Released at the end of 2023, the Atlantic Salmon 50p was part of the nation’s tribute to King Charles III’s coronation year. The coin has now officially overtaken the Kew Gardens 50p, which had a mintage of 210,000 when it was introduced in 2009, and now the 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p is the most sought-after 50p in circulation.”
On its website, the Royal Mint says: “His Majesty King Charles III’s 50p coin has been officially crowned as the rarest 50p in active circulation, following the latest mintage figures published by The Royal Mint.
“The coin depicting the Atlantic Salmon has knocked the highly collectable 2009 Kew Gardens 50p off the top spot for the first time, with just 200,000 released to UK banks and post offices at the end of last year. A total of 210,000 2009 Kew Gardens coins were released into circulation 15 years ago.”
At the time of reporting, examples of this coin were listed for sale on eBay for £146.29 and £149.50.
