By james art Although there are no specific 20p, 50p, £1 or £2 coins associated with the region, County Durham residents, like UK collectors, can find rare 50p coins in their change or through coin collecting networks.
At the moment it seems that eBay, Facebook Marketplace and other online selling sites have seen a big increase and influx of people trying to sell coins, we have put together this guide for people who have rare 50p coins in County Durham.
All on rare 50p coins
Here are some of the rarest and most sought after 50p coins you may come across:
- 2009 Kew Gardens 50p: This is considered the rarest 50p coin in circulation, with only 210,000 minted. It features the iconic pagoda from Kew Gardens in London.
- Olympic 50p coins (2011): To commemorate the 2012 London Olympics, the Royal Mint released a series of 29 different designs, each representing a different Olympic sport. Some of these coins, such as the wrestling, football and judo designs, are rarer than others.
- 2018 and 2019 Paddington Bear 50p coins: Featuring Paddington Bear at various London landmarks, these coins are popular with collectors.
- Beatrix Potter 50p Series: Since 2016, the Royal Mint has issued coins featuring characters such as Peter Rabbit, Jemima Paddle-Duck and more. Some editions have a smaller print run, which makes them more valuable.
- 2017 Sir Isaac Newton 50p: Celebrating the famous physicist, this coin has a relatively small mintage and is sought after by collectors.
The most valuable 50p coins according to the Royal Mint:
- Atlantic salmon 2023
- Kew Gardens 2009
- Olympic football 2011
- Olympic wrestling 2011
- Olympic Judo 2011
- 2011 Olympic Triathlon
- Peter Rabbit™ 2018
- Flopsy Bunny™ 2018
- Olympic Tennis 2011
- Olympic Goalball 2011
What makes a coin valuable?
The 50p piece has become the UK’s most prized and collected coin, with many collectible designs appearing on its heptagonal face.
Its diameter of 27.5mm makes it the largest of all British coins and allows room for decorative pictures. It is often used to mark major events in the last 50 years of British history.
The rarest coins are usually the most valuable, with the mintage (number of coins of each design produced) being the main attraction for collectors.
Along with design, other aspects of a coin that increase value are the condition of the coin and whether there is a design flaw.
If you are in County Durham and interested in collecting or finding rare 50p coins:
- Check your change: Always look carefully at the 50p coins you receive as change, as rare coins can sometimes be found in circulation.
- Visit local coin dealers and markets: Local antique shops, coin dealers and markets may have rare coins available for purchase.
- Join a Numismatic Society: Consider joining a local coin collecting club or the British Numismatic Society to network with other collectors and keep up to date with coin related events in the area.
- Visit coin fairs and exhibitions: Keep an eye out for coin fairs or shows being held in or near County Durham where you can buy, sell or trade coins.
How much are the coins worth?
The items, which have been listed on eBay and Facebook Marketplace by sellers in County Durham, are priced between £5,000 and £15,000 – sparking a frenzy among people looking to cash in on their rare coins.
In an attempt to try and sell their coins, people in County Durham risked their luck and successfully sold coins for over £10,000.
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These coins include Brexit, Beatrix Potter and Uncrowned King Charles III coins.
However, at this stage it is worth noting that a coin, like many other things, is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it, and not every coin will sell for such a high price.
Warnings over 50p coins
Although the 50p coins are listed by County Durham sellers for between £5,000 and £15,000, not all coins will go for this – and it will depend on demand, other coins available at the time and the desirability of the coins.
It’s also worth noting that people should always be wary of counterfeit coins. When purchasing rare coins, it is recommended that you obtain a certificate of authenticity or buy from reputable dealers.