New Release: 2026 Royal Mint Annual Sets
New Release: 2026 Royal Mint Annual Sets
As a circulating coin, the Atlantic Salmon 50p is worth its face value of 50p. However, collectors may pay more for high-grade examples or if the coin is scarce. Check our rarity score to see how sought-after this coin is.
High-quality images of the 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p showing obverse and design details. Click any image to view full size.
Tip: Click any image to view it in full size. All images show the actual 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p as issued by The Royal Mint, helping you identify genuine coins and understand their design features.
For 15 years, the 2009 Kew Gardens 50p held the title of the UK's rarest circulating 50p. That changed with the release of the 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p. With an official mintage of just 200,000, it is now the scarcest 50p design ever found in British pocket change.
The "Salmon" was the first 50p of King Charles III’s reign to feature the new flora and fauna definitive designs. Because many collectors and "post-office hunters" recognized its low mintage early, a huge percentage of the 200,000 coins were removed from circulation almost instantly, making a "wild" find in 2025 significantly harder than finding a Kew Gardens.
It is vital to check the date on your coin, as the Royal Mint has continued the design into subsequent years:
| Condition | Estimated Value | Price Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated (Average) | £10.00 – £15.00 | Rising |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (Pack) | £18.00 – £25.00 | Strong |
| Silver Proof / Gold | £60.00 – £500.00+ | Investment Grade |
For over a decade, the 2009 Kew Gardens 50p was the undisputed king of British coinage. However, the release of the 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p has sparked a fierce debate among collectors. While Kew Gardens remains the most "famous" rarity, the Salmon 50p now holds the technical crown for the lowest mintage.
| Feature | Kew Gardens (2009) | Atlantic Salmon (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Mintage | 210,000 | 200,000 |
| Monarch | Queen Elizabeth II | King Charles III |
| Market Value | £140 – £180 | £70 – £100 (Rising) |
| Scarcity Factor | High (Most are in private hands) | Very High (Heavily hoarded) |
From a technical rarity standpoint, the Atlantic Salmon 50p is the winner. However, the Kew Gardens 50p remains the superior financial investment due to its established 15-year track record and iconic status.
Collector Tip: If you find a 2023 Salmon 50p, hold onto it. As the first major rarity of the King Charles III era, its long-term value is expected to follow the same trajectory as the early rare 50p coins of the previous reign.
