What Are The 10 Rarest 50p Coins in Circulation In 2023?
The Royal Mint, the official mint of the United Kingdom, has recently released a list of the 10 rarest 50p coins in circulation in 2023.
These coins are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch a significant amount above their face value (50p) on the secondary market.
Coin value depends on rarity and condition so always takesome time to research the latest sales prices and coins available before making a purchase.
Total Mintage Figures
| MINTAGE YEAR | 50 PENCE COINS | TOTAL MINTAGE FIGURES |
| 2009 | KEW GARDENS | 210,000 |
| 2011 | OLYMPIC FOOTBALL | 1,125,500 |
| 2011 | OLYMPIC WRESTLING | 1,129,500 |
| 2011 | OLYMPIC JUDO | 1,161,500 |
| 2011 | OLYMPIC TRIATHLON | 1,163,500 |
| 2018 | PETER RABBIT | 1,400,000 |
| 2018 | FLOPSY BUNNY | 1,400,000 |
| 2011 | OLYMPIC TENNIS | 1,454,000 |
| 2011 | OLYMPIC GOALBALL | 1,615,500 |
| 2011 | OLYMPIC SHOOTING | 1,656,500 |
There are also fake or “copy coin” of the most valuable coins, notably the Kew Gardens 50p.
1. Kew Gardens
The Kew Gardens 50p coin was minted in 2009 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London.
It is the rarest 50p coin in circulation with only 210,000 released making it the rarest coin of any denomination in circulation. It features a detailed illustration of the Chinese Pagoda at Kew Gardens and is highly sought after by collectors. As the mintage numbers were so low, many collectors remove the coins from circulation when found.
In 2019, a newer, commemorative edition of this coin was released as part of the 50 Years of 50p British Culture Set. This is also highly collectible by UK coin collectors but does not fetch the same high price and is not in circualtion.
2. Olympic Football
The Olympic Football 50p coin, minted in 2011 to commemorate the 2012 Olympic Games in London, is the second rarest 50p coin in circulation. Only 1,125,500 were minted, making it a highly sought after coin for both Olympic and football fans alike. It features an illustration of the offside rule.
3. Olympic Wrestling
The Olympic Wrestling 50p coin, also minted in 2011 to commemorate the 2012 Olympic Games, is the third rarest 50p coin in circulation. Only 1,129,500 were minted, making it a highly sought after coin for Olympic fans and wrestling enthusiasts. It features an illustration of two wrestlers engaged in combat.
4. Olympic Judo
The Olympic Judo 50p coin, also minted in 2011 to commemorate the 2012 Olympic Games, is the fourth rarest 50p coin in circulation. Only 1,130,500 were minted, making it a highly sought after coin for Olympic fans and judo enthusiasts. It features an illustration of a judoka in action.
5. Olympic Triathlon
The coin features an illustration of a triathlete in action, with a swimming, cycling and running symbol. The coin was part of a collection of 29 Olympic 50p coins, which were released to commemorate the different sports that were part of the 2012 Olympic Games.
The Olympic Triathlon 50p coin is considered to be a rare coin, as only 1,163,500 were minted. This makes it a highly sought after coin for Olympic fans and triathlon enthusiasts.
Created by coin designer, David Pearce, the Olympic Triathlon 50p coin is not only a valuable addition to any coin collection, but it is also a great way to commemorate the 2012 Olympic Games and the triathlon event.
6. Peter Rabbit 2018
The 2018 release of the Peter Rabbit 50p coin is the 6th rarest in circulation with only 1.4 million minted.
The Peter Rabbit 50p coins were first minted by the Royal Mint to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Beatrix Potter in 2016.
This makes it a highly sought after coin for Beatrix Potter fans, collectors and enthusiasts. The coin’s design is unique and features an illustration of Peter Rabbit munching raddishes, one of the most famous and beloved characters in children’s literature.
7. Flopsy Bunny
Another famous character from the Beatrix Potter books is Flopsy Bunny. Also released in circulation in 2018, only 1.4 million coins were minted making this anothe rare and collectible fifty pence coin.
8. Olympic Tennis
The Olympic Tennis 50p coin, also minted in 2011 to commemorate the 2012 Olympic Games, is the eighth rarest 50p coin in circulation. Only 1,454,000 were minted, making it a highly sought after coin for Olympic fans and tennis enthusiasts. It features an illustration of a tennis ball passing over the net.
9. Olympic Goalball
The Olympic Goalball 50p coin, also minted in 2011 to commemorate the 2012 Olympic Games, is the ninth rarest 50p coin in circulation. Only 1,615,500 coins were minted, making it a highly sought after coin for Olympic fans and Goalball enthusiasts. It features an illustration of a goalball player in action.
10. Olympic Shooting
The Olympic Shooting 50p coin, also minted in 2011 to commemorate the 2012 Olympic Games, is the tenth rarest 50p coin in circulation. Only 1,656,500 were minted, making it a highly sought after coin for Olympic fans and shooting enthusiasts around the world. It features an illustration of a shotgun in action.
Are These Coins Valuable?
These coins can be highly valuable for collectors and those interested in Olympic memorabilia. However, it is important to note that the value of a 50p coin is also dependent on its condition and if it has been in circulation. It is always recommended to have a professional appraise any coin before making a purchase.
Another important aspect of coin collecting is proper storage and handling. Coins can be easily damaged by improper handling or storage. It’s essential to store them in a safe place, away from extreme temperatures and humidity. It’s also important to handle them with care, using gloves or coin holders to prevent any damage to the coin’s surface.
Overall, coin collecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby for people of all ages. The Royal Mint’s recent release of the 10 rarest 50p coins in circulation, makes it an exciting time for collectors and investors alike. With the right approach and knowledge, coin collecting can be a valuable addition to anyone’s hobby or investment portfolio.
