Check your change now for this 50p coin as it could be worth a lot more than just face value. It’s believed one in 335 people in the UK could own one of them in their pockets
In the UK, some of the rare coins we might stumble on include the 1937 Edward VIII Gold Sovereign (£1million), the 1703 Queen Anne Vigo Five-Guineas (£845,000) and, of course, this penny worth an eye-watering £72,000.
Even though coins rely heavily on mintage, condition and errors, collectors are constantly urged to check their change for any hidden gems. And when it comes to 50p coins, the Kew Gardens is undoubtedly one of the most popular designs. It boasts just 210,000 in circulation after its initial release back in 2009, but as of 2023, a newer coin became more desirable to collectors.
Yes we’re talking about the Atlantic Salmon design which was launched to mark King Charles III and his love for nature conservation and the environment.
In a TikTok post, one expert, who boasts 271,000 followers, asked: “Do you know what the rarest 50p coin is?” The guru, known as the @CoinCollectingWizard, revealed everything you need to know about the Atlantic Salmon 50p coin.
He continued: “You can find this worth £80. About 160 times its face value is the 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p coin.”
The expert explained the coin features a portrait by Martin Jennings of His Majesty King Charles III. But since it carries no privy mark, it makes it the rarest standard circulating 50p ever issued.
In the post, he added: “Only the version dated 2023 and lacking the small crown privy mark found in annual sets is truly rare circulated pieces with this design entered everyday use and now command collector interest.
“According to collectors and sale trackers, recent eBay transitions for this coin have fetched £70-£80, with some reports even reaching more depending on condition and demand.”
Speaking about the 2023 dated Atlantic Salmon coin, he claimed: “If yours does not have a Tudor Crown privy mark, it’s worth £80, not the version sold in mint sets which is more common and typically worth less.”
Back on October 7, 2024, it was confirmed only 200,000 of the 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p coins had entered circulation the previous year, less than half of the original estimated figure.
According to ChangeChecker, this effectively means just one in 335 people in the UK could potentially obtain one of these special 50p coins.
Meanwhile a previous survey also revealed 30% of respondents were fortunate enough to discover a 2023 Salmon 50p among their change.
However, at the start of each year, The Royal Mint releases an Annual Coin Set which typically contains five commemorative coins from the forthcoming year and a complete set of definitive coins dated that year.
Although the Salmon Atlantic 50p coins were issued as part of the 2024 and 2025 Annual Sets, it will not enter circulation or display the privy mark on the obverse.
