A RARE 50p coin has sparked an online bidding war, as a coin collector reveals which two coins are worth 195 times its face value.
A coin expert has recently revealed the two rarest designs that could fetch hundreds of pounds online.
The Atlantic Salmon is the rarest 50p coin with only 200,000 in circulation[/caption]
Posting under the name @coincollectingwizard on TikTok, the video revealed that the two 50p designs worth up to 195 times its value.
Released in 2023, the King Charles III Atlantic Salmon is the rarest 50p coin in the UK, with only 200,000 coins in active circulation.
According to Coincollectingwizard, a rare Atlantic Salmon coin could sell for an average of £150 pounds.
Recently, two 50p coins recently sold for £195 on eBay, while a bag of 50p coins sold for £1,700 in a fierce bidding war.
King Charles III 50p, also known as the Atlantic Salmon, has skyrocketed to top position in the list of the UK’s rarest 50p coins still in circulation.
A Changechecker spokesperson said: “The circulation 2023 Salmon 50p has knocked the legendary Kew Gardens 50p off the top spot, meaning Britain has a new rarest 50p for the first time in 15 years.
“It was announced on October 7, 2024 that just 200,000 2023 Salmon 50ps entered circulation in November 2023.
Due to its incredibly low mintage, just one in 335 people in the UK could have the chance of finding one in their change.
When the Kew Gardens 50p was first issued in 2009, collectors didn’t initially realise just how rare it would be, and many people who found one in their change parted with it and later kicked themselves.
The spokesperson added: “Now, 15 years later, the Kew Gardens coin regularly sells for between £150 to £250 on the secondary market, so it’s no surprise that they’re already selling on the secondary market for up to £200.
“For many, snagging a Salmon coin could be a second chance at coin-collecting glory.”
Described by the Royal Mint as “the nation’s most collectable coin”, the 50p has seen over 100 different designs appear on its reverse since its introduction.
Out of the 10 rarest 50ps in circulation, six are related to the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games, with Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny coins from 2018 both also making the list.
Top ten rarest 50p list
The updated top ten now includes:
- 2023 Atlantic Salmon – 200,000 made
- 2009 Kew Gardens – 210,000 minted
- 2011 Olympic Football – 1,125,000 minted
- 2011 Olympic Wrestling – 1,129,500 minted
- 2011 Olympic Judo – 1,161,500 minted
- 2011 Olympic Triathlon – 1,163,500 minted
- 2018 Peter Rabbit – 1,400,000 minted
- 2018 Flopsy Bunny – 1,400,000 minted
- 2011 Olympic Tennis – 1,454,000 minted
- 2011 Olympic Goalball – 1,615,000 minted
CHECK IF YOU HAVE A RARE COIN
Rare coins and valuable notes can be worth tens of thousands of times their face value.
But sometimes it’s just tiny differences which make them so lucrative.
The most valuable coins tend to be ones with low mintage numbers or an error.
Those qualities typically make them valuable to collectors.
Your next step would be to check if your coin is still available to purchase in superior Brilliant Uncirculated quality from an official Royal Mint distributor, according to Change Checker.
Certified Brilliant Uncirculated coins have been specially struck to a superior unblemished quality which set them apart from the coins you may find in pockets.
SELLING YOUR RARE COINS
There are many different factors to consider when trying to value a coin, including its condition and mintage, so it’s important to do your homework first.
If you’ve got a coin that you would like to sell at auction, you can contact The Royal Mint’s Collectors Service.
It has a team of experts who can help you to authenticate and value your coin.
You’ll need to enquire via email, and a member of the valuation team will contact get back to you.
Take a picture of your coin and attach this to the email – you can find the details on The Royal Mint’s website.
Be aware that you will be charged for this service though – the cost will vary depending on the size of your collection.
If you are looking to buy a coin online through a marketplace such as eBay, it’s important to know exactly what you are purchasing.
This is because anyone can list a coin on eBay and charge whatever amount they wish.
You should also be wary of fakes online – and keep in mind that on eBay a buyer could pull out, which means the coin won’t have sold for the price it says it has.
Meanwhile, we have put together a guide on the rarest and most valuable coins.
We also tell you what you should do if you find a lucky penny in your pocket.
How do I safely store valuable coins?
HERE are some tricks to keep your valuable coins safe from toning:
- Store your coins in individual containers
- Put it in a clear, air tight holder that lets you see the coin from both sides
- Avoid putting them in clear plastic sandwich bags because they can still rub against each other an may cause scratches or marks
- Store your collection in a folder or album, although tarnishing may occur quicker than in an airtight container
- Keep them out of a damp environment. You can use silica gel to help prevent damp
- Wear clean, white gloves when handling the coins
- Steer clear of using PVC materials as it traps moisture and releases acidic gases which can damage the collection.
