30 September 2025
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When the 50p coin was first introduced in 1969, to replace the 10 shilling note, many people didn’t like the world’s only seven-sided coin, but fast forward fifty years and the 50p coin is perhaps Britain’s most popular coin, thanks mainly to the range of commemorative designs issued over the years.
And some of the coins we find in our change are worth more than the face value.
We have covered a few of the most popular commemorative coins on our blog in the last year, these include the Kew Gardens 50p, Isaac Newton 50p, the Atlantic Salmon 50p and the Beatrix Potter 50p coins.
There is a currently rivalry for the top spot when it comes to the rarest 50p coin, which also means it is the most lucrative 50p as well. The competition currently falls between Kew Gardens and the Atlantic Salmon. For a good condition genuine Kew Gardens coin, the value varies between £100-£140 while the Atlantic Salmon is valued around £85-£150.
Perhaps the most popular 50p coins, or the series that captured the public's imagination was the London 2012 Olympics 50p coins.
The Royal Mint issued 29 coins, each depicting a different Olympic sport. The coins sparked a collecting frenzy that still goes on today and prompts many people to ask how much the different coins are worth. Most single coins sell for around £5 or less, the 'Football' 50p coin fetches around £8.
Why do 50p coins vary in value?
In addition to the simple maths of supply and demand, some 50p coins are only issued in 'uncirculated' condition or in certain metals, giving them more value.
'Brilliant Uncirculated' 50p coins
Brilliant Uncirculated, sometimes shortened to ‘BU’ or ‘B.UNC’, refers to coins that are of a higher standard than those which are entered into circulation. According to The Royal Mint: 'They are intended as an entry-level collectable coin or as the perfect gift for someone looking to mark a special year.'
BU 50p coins usually cost around £10 direct from The Royal Mint.
Some commemorative coins are only produced as BU coins, and so are not usually seen in our loose change. Whether or not you want to include these coins in your collection is entirely up to you. But they do tend to resell for a significant amount more on the secondary market than regular circulation coins.
Silver Proof and 'coloured' 50p coins
The Royal Mint also issue 50p coins in special collectable formats, including Silver Proof versions which are worth more and often limited to a mintage of less than 100,000. Silver Proof 50p coins are usually sold for around £60.
Special coloured versions of 50p coins are also released, often in a 'Silver Proof' quality, such as the range of Beatrix Potter coins. Again, these are created for the collector and are not entered into circulation (if you see a coloured coin in your change make sure you keep it!)
Buyer beware! Some unscrupulous sellers are offering coloured versions of the coins which are nothing more than coloured stickers placed over the more common 50p pieces. We would recommend you avoid these fakes.
To discover more about commemorative 50p coins subscribe to Stamp Collector inc Coin Collector today!