16 December 2020
|
In 2015 The Royal Mint issued a Battle of Britain 50p coin marking the 75th anniversary of the aerial battle that took place during the Second World War. Find out more including the coin's value in our coin guide…
The coin, designed by Gary Breeze, features an obverse showing a trio of airmen scrambling for their planes ready to counter the threat of enemy aircraft approaching overhead.
Gary Breeze is a renowned sculptor with major commissions found throughout the UK. Including the Bali Bombing Memorial at Horse Guards Road, London and the Christ Church Cloister fountain in Oxford.
Battle of Britain 50p varieties
The Battle of Britain 50p created a stir when it was first released as collectors realised there were three different versions of the 50p coins. The obverse was different, with three different ‘heads’ sides seen. It also received positive reception from the public.
The first featured the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley and had no amount. The second coin featured Jody Clark’s portrait—first unveiled in 2015—and didn’t display the value. Finally, the third featured Clark’s design and the correct wording: ‘50 PENCE’.
They released the latter version into circulation, so you are most likely to see this version. The Royal Mint originally sold the other two uncirculated versions in presentation packs. In the days after their release, buyers paid around £100, and many described the prices as errors.
Did The Royal Mint intend to leave the date of those early versions? We’ll probably never know. The Royal Mint never officially commented on the lack of amount. However, the public collectively agreed it was an error coin and sold some for nearly £100!
They confirmed that the Battle of Britain 50p intended for circulation later in the year would include the amount. But was this after they realised their mistake?
What is the value of the 2015 Battle of Britain 50p?
Today the uncirculated versions are worth around £4 to £8. The Royal Mint is currently selling the coin for £8 on their website. Whilst the circulated coin may be worth around £1 to £1.50.
However, The Royal Mint released a gold proof version of the 50p coin which recently sold on eBay for £1,220. It sold with a certificate of authentication and the presentation box.
2019 Battle of Britain release
But that's not the end of the 'multiple obverse' story for this coin. In 2019 The Royal Mint issued a new version of the coin as part of a 50 year anniversary of 50p celebrations. This fourth version features Jody Clark’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, the amount and the reissue date of 2019.
Titled the 50 years of 50p Military set. The Royal Mint honour some of the most pivotal moments in military history. Historical moments that everyone still learns about at school. Alongside the Battle of Britain was the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, the 50th anniversary of D-Day and two coins celebrating the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Victoria Cross medal.
Photo: The Royal Mint
Suggested article: Your guide to Paddington Bear 50p coins
Sellers on eBay value this edition at around £8–£10. This may be because The Royal Mint released it as part of a set, and once separated from the set, it loses value.
Also, beware of coloured versions of the coin which sell on eBay. These ‘coloured decal’ versions are not official and just feature a coloured effect. Some collectors, especially those who specialise in military items, enjoy.