Top Ten Rarest 50p Coins

Release of the mintage figures for The Atlantic Salmon Fifty Pence

Collectors around the world are waking up to exciting news this morning with the release of the mintage figures for The Atlantic Salmon Fifty Pence. The Atlantic Salmon 50p coin has quickly risen to prominence in the numismatic world, taking the crown as the rarest 50p in circulation. Released in 2023, this coin features a graceful depiction of the Atlantic Salmon on the reverse, while the obverse bears the portrait of King Charles III. According to the Royal Mint, only 200,000 of these coins have been minted, making it an extraordinary find for collectors. This mintage is even lower than the Kew Gardens 50p, which for the past 15 years held the title of the rarest 50p coin, with 210,000 minted in 2009.

The Royal Mint, based in Llantrisant, has published its 2023 mintage figures, confirming the Atlantic Salmon coin's rare status. With its unique design, it has joined a long list of highly collectible 50p coins, which have been produced for various national events and moments in British history.

The Kew Gardens 50p, issued in 2009 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the iconic London landmark, has long been sought after by collectors. This coin often fetches impressive sums in secondary markets, with some selling for upwards of £100 on platforms like eBay. Despite no longer being the rarest, its value remains high, both for its historic importance and its relative scarcity.

The Atlantic Salmon coin’s rarity comes at a time when 2023 has seen other major shifts in UK coinage, including the introduction of coins commemorating King Charles III’s coronation. As Rebecca Morgan from the Royal Mint pointed out, 2023 has been a pivotal year for the nation’s currency, making these new releases even more exciting for collectors. For anyone lucky enough to find the Atlantic Salmon 50p in their change, it’s a true numismatic treasure.

Here is a look at the Top Ten Rarest 50p Coins:

These top ten rarest 50p coins showcase the diverse range of themes and designs celebrated through British coinage, making them highly sought after by collectors worldwide. Each coin tells a story, whether it's of a landmark event like the 2012 Olympics or an iconic British institution like Kew Gardens.

The 50p coin, introduced in 1969 as part of Britain’s decimalisation, has become a canvas for commemorative designs, thanks to its distinctive heptagonal shape. With over 100 different designs released since then, it’s no wonder this humble coin has become a symbol of British culture and a collector’s favourite.

Release of the mintage figures for The Atlantic Salmon Fifty Pence

Here is a look at the Top Ten Rarest 50p Coins:

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