It's time to dig through your spare change as has just sold for £139, a staggering 250 times its face value, in an eBay auction.
The sought-after coin was released in 2009 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of , featuring an intricate design of the Chinese Pagoda at the Royal Botanic Gardens on one side and a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the other.
With only 210,000 copies minted, this special edition 50p remains , making it highly desirable among collectors.
After being listed on eBay, the coin quickly gained attention, receiving 20 bids before selling for the impressive sum of £139.
The rarity and condition of a coin play a significant role in determining its value. Coins with lower mintage numbers, meaning fewer were produced, tend to be the most valuable, as collectors are willing to pay a premium to own them.
The 50p coin, with its larger 27.5mm diameter, provides ample space for special designs, making it a favorite for commemorating historical events.
According to The Royal Mint, here are the most valuable and rarest 50p coins currently in circulation:
While the Kew Gardens 50p has long held the title of the rarest UK coin in circulation, a new contender has emerged.
The Atlantic Salmon 50p, featuring King Charles III's portrait, has been confirmed by the Royal Mint as the new rarest 50p in circulation, with only 200,000 released to UK banks and post offices, 10,000 fewer than the Kew Gardens coin.
With collectable coins fetching hundreds of pounds online, it's worth checking your change for any hidden treasures.
The right coin, especially in good condition, could be worth far more than its face value.
