When sorting through your loose change, you might come across a rare 50p coin that could be worth far more than its face value.
Collectors are always on the lookout for these gems, and their rarity can lead to impressive values on auction sites like eBay. Let’s dive into the 13 most valuable 50p coins you should hold onto, rather than spend.
13 Rare 50p Coins You Should Never Spend
1. 2009 Kew Gardens 50p
- Mintage: 210,000
- Estimated Value: £100 – £200
This coin celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and features the iconic pagoda design. With only 210,000 coins minted, it’s considered the rarest 50p coin in circulation, fetching hundreds of pounds.
2. 2011 Olympic Football 50p (Offside Rule)
- Mintage: 1,125,500
- Estimated Value: £10 – £20
This coin explains the offside rule in football, making it a favorite among sports fans and collectors alike. Its unique design and Olympic theme make it highly collectible.
3. 2011 Olympic Wrestling 50p
- Mintage: 1,129,500
- Estimated Value: £10 – £15
Depicting two wrestlers in action, this coin from the 2012 London Olympics is a rare find with a lower mintage, making it highly sought after.
4. 2011 Olympic Judo 50p
- Mintage: 1,161,500
- Estimated Value: £12 – £20
Designed by David Cornell, this coin shows a judo throw in action, another popular design from the 2012 Olympics.
5. 2011 Olympic Triathlon 50p
- Mintage: 1,163,500
- Estimated Value: £10 – £17
This coin captures the essence of triathlon with silhouettes of a swimmer, cyclist, and runner. Its scarcity has driven up its value.
6. 2018 Flopsy Bunny 50p
- Mintage: 1,400,000
- Estimated Value: £4 – £8
Part of the Beatrix Potter series, this coin featuring Flopsy Bunny is particularly rare due to its low mintage.
7. 2018 Peter Rabbit 50p
- Mintage: 1,400,000
- Estimated Value: £5 – £9
Peter Rabbit is an iconic figure, and this 50p coin remains highly collectible, particularly among fans of Beatrix Potter.
8. 2011 Olympic Tennis 50p
- Mintage: 1,454,000
- Estimated Value: £3 – £7
This coin celebrates tennis at the Olympics and is sought after by collectors due to its relatively low mintage.
9. 2011 Olympic Goalball 50p
- Mintage: 1,615,500
- Estimated Value: £3 – £5
A Paralympic-themed coin, the Goalball design highlights one of the lesser-known sports from the 2012 games.
10. 2011 Olympic Shooting 50p
- Mintage: 1,656,500
- Estimated Value: £3 – £5
Depicting a shooter in action, this coin is another piece from the Olympic series that holds value.
11. Mrs. Tittlemouse 50p (Beatrix Potter 2018)
- Mintage: 1,700,000
- Estimated Value: £4 – £6
This coin features Mrs. Tittlemouse, another character from the beloved Beatrix Potter series. Though not as rare as some others, it still commands a price higher than face value.
12. Sir Isaac Newton 50p (2017)
- Mintage: 1,801,500
- Estimated Value: £3 – £7
This coin honors one of history’s greatest scientists, Sir Isaac Newton, and has become a favorite among collectors.
13. 2011 Olympic Gymnastics 50p
- Mintage: 1,720,813
- Estimated Value: £3 – £6
This coin shows a gymnast performing on a pommel horse and is part of the 2012 London Olympic collection.
Table of Rare 50p Coins
| Coin | Mintage | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Kew Gardens 50p (2009) | 210,000 | £100 – £200 |
| Olympic Football 50p (2011) | 1,125,500 | £10 – £20 |
| Olympic Wrestling 50p (2011) | 1,129,500 | £10 – £15 |
| Olympic Judo 50p (2011) | 1,161,500 | £12 – £20 |
| Olympic Triathlon 50p (2011) | 1,163,500 | £10 – £17 |
| Flopsy Bunny 50p (2018) | 1,400,000 | £4 – £8 |
| Peter Rabbit 50p (2018) | 1,400,000 | £5 – £9 |
| Olympic Tennis 50p (2011) | 1,454,000 | £3 – £7 |
| Olympic Goalball 50p (2011) | 1,615,500 | £3 – £5 |
| Olympic Shooting 50p (2011) | 1,656,500 | £3 – £5 |
| Mrs. Tittlemouse 50p (2018) | 1,700,000 | £4 – £6 |
| Sir Isaac Newton 50p (2017) | 1,801,500 | £3 – £7 |
| Olympic Gymnastics 50p (2011) | 1,720,813 | £3 – £6 |
How to Identify and Sell Rare Coins
To determine if your 50p coin is valuable, check for mintage numbers and any unique designs. Platforms like eBay can provide a rough estimate of a coin’s value.
For more precise evaluations, consulting a numismatic expert or reputable dealer is recommended. Selling platforms like eBay or numismatic auctions are popular avenues to get the best price for rare coins.
Conclusion
These 13 rare 50p coins are more than just small change; they are pieces of history that could bring in significant returns.
Whether you’re a casual collector or just someone looking to cash in on an old coin, it pays to know which ones to keep an eye out for.
FAQs
1. Which is the rarest 50p coin in circulation?
The 2009 Kew Gardens 50p, with only 210,000 minted, is the rarest.
2. How can I check the value of my 50p coin?
You can compare recent auction results on platforms like eBay or consult numismatic websites.
3. What affects a coin’s value?
Rarity, condition, and demand from collectors significantly affect a coin’s value.
4. Where can I sell my rare 50p coin?
You can sell on platforms like eBay or through a coin dealer, but ensure you research the coin’s market value first.
5. Are Olympic-themed 50p coins valuable?
Yes, several 2011 Olympic 50p coins, such as Wrestling and Football, are valuable due to their limited mintage.
References
- Royal Mint (2023). The Rarest 50p Coins.
- Money Savvy Daddy (2024). List of Rare 50p Coins Worth Money.
- The Times (2024). Rare 50p Coins That Could Sell for Thousands.
- Wise (2024). Top 12 Most Valuable and Rarest 50p Coins.
