We’re all being urged to check our wallets and even dig around in the back of our sofas after a 50p coin recently sold for an astonishing £187.10, nearly 400 times its face value, at an auction. The coin in question is the 2009 Kew Gardens 50p, issued to mark the 250th anniversary of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.
What Makes the Kew Gardens 50p Coin So Rare?
Released in 2009, only 210,000 of these Kew Gardens coins were minted, making it one of the rarest 50p coins in circulation. This design, created by Christopher Le Brun, features the iconic Chinese Pagoda at the Royal Botanic Gardens on the tails side, while the obverse shows a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
Kew Gardens Coin’s Auction Success
When the Kew Gardens 50p coin was listed on eBay, it attracted 29 bids before selling for £187.10—far above its nominal value of 50p. This auction success highlights the growing demand for rare and collectible coins.
The Rarest 50p Coins in the UK
Until recently, the Kew Gardens 50p coin held the title of the rarest in circulation. However, this has now been overtaken by the 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p, which has a mintage of only 200,000—10,000 fewer than the Kew Gardens coin. Despite this, the Kew Gardens 50p still commands high prices, averaging £156.25, with some even fetching over £700 at auction.
Why Are Some 50p Coins So Valuable?
The value of a coin is determined by several factors:
- Mintage – The fewer coins produced, the rarer and more valuable it becomes.
- Design – Coins with intricate or historically significant designs tend to be more sought after.
- Condition – Well-preserved coins in mint condition are worth more.
- Errors – Coins with manufacturing errors can be highly valuable to collectors.
Coins like the Kew Gardens 50p are not just a part of UK history but are also seen as a solid investment for collectors.
Other Rare 50p Coins to Look Out For
While the Kew Gardens 50p is among the most valuable, it’s not the only rare 50p coin. Here are a few more collectible 50p coins:
- Olympic Wrestling (2011) – 1.1 million minted
- Olympic Football (2011) – 1.16 million minted
- Peter Rabbit (2018) – 1.4 million minted
- Flopsy Bunny (2018) – 1.4 million minted
These coins, especially those from the 2011 Olympics and the Beatrix Potter series, are also highly prized by collectors.
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The Kew Gardens 50p coin remains one of the most iconic and valuable coins in the UK, with a growing number of collectors eager to add it to their collections. Whether you’re a seasoned coin collector or just starting, it’s a reminder to check your change – you might just have a small fortune hidden in your pocket!
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