LONDON A rare 50p piece struck by the Royal Mint is making headlines after reportedly going for almost £500 on eBay, according to a report by the Surrey Comet. The sale has reignited conversations among coin collectors and casual savers alike about the hidden value in everyday change.
Which 50p Coin Was It?
While the Surrey Comet didn’t specify the exact design, the 50p coin market is known for several high-value variants notably the Kew Gardens 50p, first issued in 2009, and the “extra-special” Olympic Aquatics 50p from 2011, which featured a rare misprint shortly after its release.
- The Kew Gardens 50p had a relatively low mintage of around 210,000 coins.
- A mis-struck 2011 Olympic Aquatics 50p, where design lines obscured the swimmer’s face, has also sold for hundreds of pounds in past eBay auctions.
Why These Coins Are So Valuable
Experts and numismatists say the secret lies in rarity and collectible demand. Design-specific 50p coins with low mintage or minting errors can command exceptionally high prices, particularly when bought by dedicated collectors.
However and this is important many listings on online marketplaces may overstate a coin’s value. According to reports, forged or mis-described coins sometimes circulate on platforms like eBay, making it wise for sellers and buyers to verify a coin’s legitimacy carefully.
Collector Advice
- Numismatists suggest checking completed eBay listings, not just live ones, to get a realistic sense of what similar 50p coins have actually sold for.
- Consumers are also being encouraged to examine their loose change, particularly if they handle cash regularly rare variations may turn up in everyday transactions.
- When in doubt, consider consulting a coin expert or attending a local coin-collecting meet to get a professional opinion before selling.
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