The WWF 50p Coin – History, Designs and Collectability
WWF 50p Coin Introduction
The WWF 50p coin is a unique and beautiful collectable that honours the efforts of the World Wildlife Fund, with designs featuring endangered animals from around the globe. The first coin in the series was released in 2011 and each year since new coins have been released to celebrate environmental causes, making it a popular choice for collectors.
WWF 50p
This special edition WWF 50p coin was minted in 2011 for the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) featuring their famous Panda logo at the centre with 50 other animals around.
This 50 pence coin celebrates the 50th Anniversary of The Worldwide Fund (WWF) which was was conceived in 1961 and is the largest conservation organisation in the world.
The WWF focus their work on saving endangered species and conserving the world’s most precious natural places.
Established in 1961, the World Wildlife Fund has been raising awareness and funding to protect endangered animals and threatened habitats around the world.
Now, they have their very own 50p coin to commemorate their efforts – meaning you can now officially celebrate the wildlife charity with your spare change!
World Wildlife Fund 50p
This special edition 50p coin was minted in 2011 for the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) featuring their famous Panda logo at the centre with 50 other animals around.
The 50 pence coin was issued into general circulation.
Coin collector editions in Gold Proof, Silver Proof and Silver Piedfort Proof Coins and Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) presentations.
It is important to know the difference in these coins because it affects the value.
How many coins were issued?
Most noteworthy, the values quoted for the Royal Mint Mintage Figures for this coin are:
| Metal | Description | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| Base | General UK coin circulation | 3,400,000 |
| Base | Brilliant Uncirculated (BUNC) Coins | 67,299 |
| Base | Brilliant Uncirculated Presentation Pack | No Data |
| Silver | Silver Proof Coins (LEP) (24,870 silver coins were sold) | 7,500 |
| Silver | Silver Proof Piedfort Coins (LEP) (2,244 silver piedfort coins were sold) | 1,500 |
| Gold | Gold Proof Coins (LEP) (only 243 gold coins were sold) | 1,500 |
The source of the Mintage information is from The Royal Mint website for the WWF 50 pence Coin. “Piedfort” means “double-thickness”.
WWF Coin Design
The “MD” initials on the coin are the initials of Royal Mint coin designer Matthew Dent.
Matthew describes the inspiration behind his design ‘My idea was to design a selection of stylised icons to represent the various facets of the WWF – shapes that would complement the WWF logo, but shapes that would be recognisable at a very small size, and it seemed appropriate that there should be 50 of these icons in total.
If you peer closely, you’ll see that the design features mammals, birds, fish, insects and lizards, fruit, seeds, trees and plants, and icons representing the human impact; farming, transport, renewable energy sources and the home.’
Brilliant Uncirculated Coin Pack
Some WWF coins were sold in special packing such as this Brilliant Uncirculated Coin Pack.
The pack provided an informative presentation folder recounting key achievements in WWF history.
The original selling price was only £7.99 but are now selling for between £25 and £35 on eBay.
Try to buy this coin in a sealed condition as this will affect value. Ask the eBay seller to confirm the condition as it is not always easy to see from the pictures or eBay listing description.
2011 50p BUNC Coin Specification
| Issued | 2011 |
| Diameter | 27.30mm |
| Weight | 8.00g |
| Thickness | 1.78mm |
| Composition | Cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel) |
| Obverse Designer | Portrait of Her Majesty the Queen 2011 – Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS |
| Reverse Designer | Matthew Dent |
| Edge | Plain |
WWF 50p Silver Proof Coin
WWF 50p Silver Proof
- Price on release date: £42.50 plus P & P
- Limited Edition Presentation of just 7,500 Silver Proof Coins
- Product code: UKWWFSP
| Alloy | .925 Sterling Silver |
| Weight | 8.00 g |
| Diameter | 27.30 mm |
Example Certificate of Authenticity (CoA)
If you are buying Proof coins, always ask if it has the original CoA included.
WWF 50p Silver Proof COA
WWF 50p Silver Proof Piedfort Coin
WWF 50p Silver Proof Piedfort Coin
- Price on release date: £115 plus P & P
- Limited Edition Presentation of just 1,500 Piedfort Coins
- Double the weight and thickness of its standard UK counterpart
- Product code: UKWWFPF
| Alloy | .925 Sterling Silver |
| Weight | 16.00 g |
| Diameter | 27.30 mm |
WWF 50p Gold Proof Coin
WWF 50p Gold Proof
- Price on release date: £900 plus P & P
- Limited Edition Presentation of just 1,500 gold coins
- Product code: UKWWFGP
| Alloy | 22 Carat Gold |
| Weight | 15.50 g |
| Diameter | 27.30 mm |
How much is it worth?
WWF 50p values vary depending upon the specific type of coin and its condition. See our table above for the different coins sold by The Royal Mint.
As a result of our research of eBay completed listings we have seen the following (for guidance only, do your own research before buying coins);
- Gold Proof coin value: no data, never seen one for sale!
- Silver Proof Piedfort with box and COA value: £50
- Silver Proof with box and COA value: £30
- Brilliant Uncirculated BU in a coin case value: £25
- Circulated coin value: £1
What is the WWF?
In 1961, a group of eminent wildlife experts joined forces to tackle environmental problems across the world. This group included Sir Julian Huxley, the renowned biologist, Sir Peter Scott, naturalist and painter, with HRH Prince Philip as the first President. In the years since WWF has gone from strength to strength.
The WWF panda logo is recognised worldwide as a symbol of conservation and sustainable development.
