An expert has urged Brits to keep an eye out for a 50p coin in circulation dubbed the UK’s “rarest coin”. This piece is worth more than £100 to collectors and could be sitting in your change right now.
The coin was only released in 2023 and features the image of King Charles III. On its reverse side (also known as the tails side) it has the image of an Atlantic salmon.
A coin collector known online as the Coin Seeker on social media platform TikTok, explained more in a video. He told viewers, “check your change” for the coin.
He said: “The rarest coin in the UK. This is the 2023 King Charles salmon and this is an immaculate condition.”
What makes this coin particularly rare is the fact that few were ever made to begin with. “This is one of 200,000, and this has come straight from a sealed bag,” he continued. “Look at it. Absolutely insane. They sell for over £100 with only 200 000 minted.
Only 200,000 Atlantic salmon 50p coins were made, making them rare and valuable
(Image: Getty)
“You could still possibly find one of these in your change. So make sure you check your change in case you find one of these bad boys.”
On the Royal Mint website it confirms that the salmon coin is currently the rarest 50p in circulation. It took the top spot from the 2009 Kew Gardens coin of which 210,000 were created.
In relation to this, Rebecca Morgan – director of commemorative coin at The Royal Mint said; “The releasing of mintage figures is an eagerly anticipated event among the coin collecting community – and this year is particularly exciting as we reveal the Atlantic Salmon as the rarest 50p in circulation.
“For the first time in 15 years, the highly collectable Kew Gardens 50p loses its top spot as the rarest in circulation with the Atlantic Salmon 50p splashing its way to number one.
“2023 marked pivotal changes for the nation’s coinage, including the introduction of coins celebrating King Charles III’s coronation entering circulation. Finding these special designs, like the Atlantic Salmon, in your change is a win for all collectors.”
On December 30, three Atlantic salmon coins were sold on eBay each at slightly different prices – one for £102, one for £110.79 and another for £98.99.