As of 2024, experts at Copes Coins suggested that certain ‘2023 Atlantic Salmon’ pieces were selling for around £150
Before casually chucking that spare change lurking in your handbag or wallet, give your coins a proper once-over. A recently released 50p piece now commands a substantial price tag – and you might just profit.
At a quick glance, it appears utterly unremarkable – a silver, seven-sided 50p struck just two years back. However, the Royal Mint previously dubbed it one of the ‘rarest’ 50p coins in circulation, with merely 200,000 in existence.
“In 2023, the Atlantic salmon became the rarest 50p coin in circulation,” specialists at the British coin maker have claimed, according to the Mirror. “Part of eight new definitive designs representing flora and fauna from across all four UK nations following His Majesty King Charles III’s accession to the throne, it entered circulation at the end of November 2023.”
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The 2023 pieces, released half a year following King Charles III’s coronation, feature a portrait of the monarch on the obverse, crafted by Martin Jennings. This sits alongside a distinctive, definitive salmon design on the reverse, influenced by His Majesty’s commitment to environmental causes.
Atlantic salmon populations have been hammered by climate change, overfishing, water pollution and a host of other human-driven pressures. Despite this, they remain visible in Scotland and Wales’ pristine waterways, alongside certain areas of North and South West England.
As of 2024, experts at Copes Coins suggested that certain ‘2023 Atlantic Salmon’ pieces were selling for around £150, though this was expected to rise. Right now, a select 20-piece bag is also listed on eBay for £2,760.70, while others are available at various prices.
It’s thought that the most sought-after amongst these are coins lacking a ‘privy mark’ — a tiny crown image situated at the nape of His Majesty’s neck.
Copes Coins explained: “The Salmon 50p coins in the Royal Mint sets include the special privy mark (the little crown) shown below, behind the King’s head. This version of the coin is only found in the 2023 Definitive Annual Sets, and can still be bought from the Royal Mint for £34.”
Its experts further noted: “The version you will find in your change WILL NOT have a privy mark[…] The coins without a privy mark and dated 2023 are the rarest coins in circulation, and they are the ones that have a mintage figure of only 200,000.”
It’s important to recognise that numerous other elements can influence a coin’s worth. For example, a battered or damaged piece will probably command less than one that appears virtually mint condition.
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