The Ten Rarest 50p Coins

1. Atlantic Salmon 2023

Mintage: 200,000

In 2023, the Atlantic salmon became the rarest 50p coin in circulation. Part of eight new definitive designs representing flora and fauna from across all four UK nations following His Majesty King Charles III’s accession to the throne, it entered circulation at the end of November 2023. Although wild populations of the Atlantic salmon are affected by factors such as river pollution, habitat loss, overfishing, and river heating due to lack of tree cover and climate change, this wild fish can be found in very clean rivers in Scotland and Wales, as well as in North and South West England.

3. Olympic Football 2011

Mintage: 1,125,500

The reverse of the London 2012 Olympic football coin was designed by sports journalist, Neil Wolfson. Its unique design attempts to answer the question that has been asked since 1863: what is offside? The playful look depicts a classic football tactics board to demonstrate in an easy-to-understand way when a player would be considered on- and offside. For football fans and collectors, this is a fabulous coin, but with just 1,125,500 minted for circulation, they are not easy to score.

5. Olympic Judo 2011

Mintage: 1,161,500

Of the 29 London 2012 Olympic 50p coins, few can compare to the judo coin in terms of action. Capturing two athletes in mid-throw with exquisite detail, this incredible design was created by David Cornell, who infused the scene with his personal experience. This shines through in little details like the wave of the judogi and the form of the competitors. This coin is one of the most detailed coins in the Olympic collection, giving the reverse a real sense of action in its accomplished portrayal. David Cornell has skilfully captured the movement of the throw and the effort of the opponents, further adding to the coin’s popularity.

7. Peter Rabbit 2018

Mintage: 1,400,000

The star of the Beatrix Potter collection is undoubtedly Peter Rabbit™. In 2018, he hopped onto British coins for another adventure that endeared the plucky rabbit and his family to the public once more. The collection saw Proof and Brilliant Uncirculated coins struck as well as the circulating coins you can find in your change today. The rare Peter Rabbit 50p coin features the famous bunny munching on radishes after another near miss in Mr. McGregor’s garden. Designed by Emma Noble, a product designer at The Royal Mint, the reverse of the coin features a playful image that brings Peter Rabbit’s personality to life in all his mischievous glory. An official licensed product endorsed by Frederick Warne & Co., the coin boasts an unmistakable image from many people’s childhood.

9. Olympic Tennis 2011

Mintage: 1,454,000

Featuring a reverse design by competition winner Tracey Baines, a sculptor and jewellery designer from Peterborough, the2011 Olympic tennis 50p coin displays the unmistakable image of a tennis ball sailing over a net. Weeks after losing the Wimbledon final to Roger Federer, Andy Murray secured Olympic gold for Team GB by beating Federer in the men’s singles final at London 2012. The Scotsman produced a sensational performance to win in straight sets and go down in British Olympic history, giving the coin even greater significance.