Royal Mint: Since its introduction in 1969, the 50p coin has become one of Britain’s most collectible coins. Over the years, the Royal Mint has released hundreds of special designs to mark important events, anniversaries, and themes. Some of these coins are incredibly rare and can be worth hundreds or even thousands of times their face value. If you’re lucky, you might find one in your pocket change! Let’s take a look at the ten rarest 50p coins that are still out there, waiting to be discovered.
1. The 2009 Kew Gardens 50p
The Kew Gardens 50p is the most famous and sought-after rare 50p coin. It was released in 2009 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of London’s Royal Botanic Gardens. The design features the Chinese Pagoda at Kew with a vine wrapping around the number “50.” What makes this coin so special is its incredibly low mintage—only 210,000 were made. Most of these coins went into circulation, and people didn’t realize their value at first. Today, a used Kew Gardens 50p can sell for £150-170, while a perfect, uncirculated one can fetch £250-300 or more. Proof versions in their original packaging can even sell for over £600!
2. The 2011 Olympic Aquatics 50p (Original Design)
The London 2012 Olympics series included 29 different 50p designs, but one stands out for its rarity. The original Aquatics 50p featured a swimmer with water lines crossing their face. After a short time, the design was changed to make the swimmer’s face more visible. Only 600-800 of the original “water over face” coins were released, making them extremely rare. If you find one, it could be worth £800-1,500, depending on its condition. Spotting the difference between the two versions is tricky, which makes the hunt even more exciting.
3. The 1992-93 EC Single Market 50p
This coin was released to mark the UK’s presidency of the European Council of Ministers. Only 109,000 were made, and most of them went into circulation before people started collecting 50p coins. After the smaller 50p coin was introduced in 1997, many of the older, larger coins were taken out of circulation. Today, a well-preserved Single Market 50p can sell for £50-80, while an uncirculated one can fetch £150-200.
4. The 2017 Sir Isaac Newton 50p
This coin was released to honor Sir Isaac Newton, one of Britain’s greatest scientists. While 1.8 million were made, most were only available at Woolsthorpe Manor, Newton’s birthplace. This limited distribution made the coin harder to find in regular circulation. The design shows light passing through a prism and includes elements from Newton’s famous work, Principia Mathematica. A used Newton 50p can sell for £35-60, while a perfect one can go for £80-120.
5. The 2018 Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny 50p Coins
These coins are part of the Beatrix Potter series and feature Peter Rabbit munching on carrots and Flopsy Bunny holding flowers. While many Beatrix Potter coins were made in large numbers, these two had lower mintages—1.4 million for Peter Rabbit and 1.35 million for Flopsy Bunny. Used versions of these coins can sell for £4-8, while uncirculated ones can fetch £12-18. They’re a great starting point for new collectors.
6. The 2015-16 Britannia 50
Britannia, a symbol of Britain, returned to the 50p coin in 2015-16 after being removed in 2008. The design shows Britannia holding a trident and shield, with an olive branch in the background. While 2.8 million were made, the coin’s historical significance has made it popular with collectors. A used Britannia 50p can sell for £2-4, while a perfect one can go for £12-18.
7. The 1998 NHS 50p
This coin was released to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Health Service (NHS). The design shows hands cradling a heart and includes medical symbols like hospital beds and syringes. Five million were made, but the coin’s connection to the NHS has made it a favorite among collectors. A used NHS 50p can sell for £10-12, while an uncirculated one can fetch £25-30.
8. The 1994 D-Day Landings 50p
This coin commemorates the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. It features military ships heading toward the Normandy beaches. About 6.7 million were made, but many were removed from circulation when the smaller 50p coin was introduced in 1997. A used D-Day 50p can sell for £4-8, while an uncirculated one can go for £20-30
9. The 2002 Commonwealth Games England 50p
In 2002, the Royal Mint released four 50p coins to celebrate the Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Each coin featured a different flag—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The England version had the lowest mintage at 2.5 million, making it the rarest of the set. A used England 50p can sell for £15-20, while an uncirculated one can fetch £30-50.
10. The 2019 Sherlock Holmes 50p
This coin was released to mark the 160th anniversary of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s birth. The design shows Sherlock Holmes with his pipe and deerstalker hat, surrounded by tiny titles of his famous stories. While 8.6 million were made, the intricate design makes well-preserved coins more valuable. A used Sherlock Holmes 50p can sell for £1.50-2.50, while a perfect one can go for £8-12
Tips for Finding Rare 50p Coins
If you’re inspired to start hunting for these rare coins, here are some tips to improve your chances:
- Check your change carefully. You never know what you might find!
- Look through old coin jars or collections. Many rare coins have been discovered this way.
- Ask family members if they have any old coins lying around.
- Visit local businesses that handle a lot of coins, like banks or shops. They might set aside unusual coins for you.
- Join online coin-collecting communities to learn more and share your finds.
How to Take Care of Your Coins
If you find a rare 50p coin, it’s important to take good care of it:
- Handle the coin by its edges to avoid leaving fingerprints or scratches.
- Store it in a protective holder or album to keep it safe.
- Don’t clean the coin—cleaning can damage it and lower its value.
- Keep it in a cool, dry place to prevent tarnishing.
Why 50p Coins Are Special
The 50p coin is more than just spare change—it’s a piece of history. From celebrating the NHS to honoring famous figures like Sherlock Holmes and Sir Isaac Newton, these coins tell stories about Britain’s past and present. While most 50p coins are worth their face value, some are hidden treasures worth hundreds or even thousands of pounds. So, the next time you get a 50p coin, take a closer look. You might just find a rare gem!
Collecting rare 50p coins is a fun and accessible hobby. You don’t need to be an expert to get started, and you never know when you might stumble upon a valuable coin. Whether you’re checking your change or searching through old collections, the thrill of discovery is what makes coin collecting so exciting. Who knows? The next rare 50p coin could be in your pocket right now!
