UK households urged to check for rare 50p coin

Britons are being urged to check their loose change after the UK's rarest 50p coin in circulation sold for an eye-catching 166 times its face value. The Atlantic Salmon 50p recently fetched £83 on eBay, despite being worth just 50p at face value. The coin formed part of eight new designs issued following King Charles III's accession to the throne.

With only 200,000 released into circulation, it has now overtaken the famous Kew Gardens 50p as the rarest 50p currently in use. The Atlantic Salmon design was selected to celebrate the UK's diverse wildlife across all four nations.

Although wild salmon populations have been affected by river pollution, habitat destruction, overfishing and climate change, the species can still be found in clean rivers in Scotland and Wales, as well as parts of northern and south-west England.

The eBay listing stated: "2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p no privy mark rare circulating UK coin in good condition."

After attracting 20 bids in a competitive auction, the coin eventually sold for £83, plus £2.72 postage, prompting collectors to sift through their spare change in search of similar finds.

However, such high prices are not guaranteed. Other examples of the same coin have sold for around £20. The amount achieved can depend on several factors, including condition and the level of demand among bidders at the time of sale.

Meanwhile, the Royal Mint has unveiled a new 50p coin commemorating Concorde, marking 50 years since the aircraft's first commercial flight.

Created in partnership with British Airways and Airbus, the coin's reverse design features the jet soaring through the sky against a departure board backdrop, with the word Concorde displayed across the centre.

Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said the aircraft represents the very best of British innovation and praised the design for capturing its "grace and power".

The 50p has become the UK's most collected coin, thanks in part to its distinctive seven-sided shape and its 27.5mm diameter - the largest of any British circulating coin.

Over the past five decades, it has been used to mark significant moments in British history, with rarity, condition and even minting errors helping to drive up values.

Collectors who believe they may have a valuable coin are advised that the safest way to sell is through an auction.

Sales can be arranged via The Royal Mint's Collectors Service.

Those choosing to sell on eBay should ensure they price their coin realistically by checking how much similar examples have recently sold for.