Check 5 Rare Coins Worth Over £300 Including an Olympics 50p: Think that 50p coin rattling around in your coat pocket is just spare change? Think again. Some of the rarest 50p coins in the UK have sold for hundreds—sometimes even thousands—of pounds. That’s right. With a bit of luck and a sharp eye, your pocket change could turn into a collector’s jackpot. In this guide, we’ll cover 5 rare UK 50p coins worth over £300, including the sought-after Olympic 50p designs. Whether you’re just getting into coin collecting or you’re a seasoned hobbyist, we’ll break things down in a way that’s easy to understand but still full of solid information. And yes, we’ve got all the facts, stats, and real-world examples to back it up.
Check 5 Rare Coins Worth Over £300 Including an Olympics 50p
It’s amazing to think that a small, silver-colored coin in your change tray could be worth more than a weekend getaway. With limited mintage numbers, quirky designs, and collector demand, these 50p coins are turning heads across the UK. If you’re just starting out, look carefully through your pocket change and compare against reliable resources. For those with experience, now’s a great time to check if any of these hidden gems are sitting unnoticed in your collection. Whether you’re in it for the thrill, the profit, or the history—coin collecting offers something for everyone.
| Coin Name | Year | Mintage | Estimated Value | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kew Gardens 50p | 2009 | 210,000 | £300–£700+ | Features the Kew Gardens pagoda |
| Olympic Aquatics 50p (Error Version) | 2011 | Under 600 | Up to £4,000 | Swimmer’s face obscured by water lines |
| Olympic Football 50p | 2011 | 1,125,500 | Up to £1,300 | Offside rule diagram |
| Olympic Judo 50p | 2011 | 1,161,500 | £18–£25+ | Two judo athletes mid-throw |
| Olympic Wrestling 50p | 2011 | 1,129,500 | Around £620 | Depicts two wrestlers grappling |
A Brief History of the 50p Coin
The UK 50p coin was first introduced in 1969 to replace the old 10-shilling note. Since then, it’s become one of the most collected denominations in the UK. Over the decades, the 50p has featured dozens of special designs, including commemorative themes such as the Olympics, Beatrix Potter characters, and even the Battle of Hastings. It’s not just about the artwork. These coins often have limited mintage runs, making them appealing to collectors and valuable in the secondary market.
How 5 Rare Coins Worth Over £300 Including an Olympics 50p Is Determined?
Rarity in the coin world boils down to a few factors:
- Mintage Numbers: Fewer coins made = more value.
- Condition: A coin in mint condition is far more desirable than one that’s scratched or worn.
- Design Errors: Mistakes during production can skyrocket a coin’s worth.
- Popularity: Themes like sports, history, or literature can drive demand.
The five coins we’re talking about today check multiple boxes—especially low mintage and unique design.
1. Kew Gardens 50p (2009)
Why It’s Rare: Only 210,000 were minted. That’s the lowest of any circulating 50p coin.
What to Look For: The coin features the famous pagoda at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, surrounded by a leafy vine.
Estimated Value: £300–£700, but some have sold for over £800 in top condition.
Watch Out: The 2019 reissue looks similar but isn’t as valuable—check the year carefully.
2. Olympic Aquatics 50p (Error Version, 2011)
Why It’s Rare: Fewer than 600 were mistakenly minted with lines covering the swimmer’s face.
What to Look For: If you find a coin where the water lines obscure the swimmer’s face, that’s the rare error version.
Estimated Value: Up to £4,000, especially when authenticated.
Collector Tip: Only a handful are believed to still be in circulation.
3. Olympic Football 50p (2011)
Why It’s Rare: While over 1 million were minted, demand among football fans drives its value up.
What to Look For: The coin shows a diagram explaining the offside rule—a quirky and clever touch.
Estimated Value: Up to £1,300, depending on condition.
Trivia: This coin is part of the 29-piece set released to mark the 2012 London Olympics.
4. Olympic Judo 50p (2011)
Why It’s Rare: Part of the 2012 Olympics set, this design features a dynamic martial arts scene.
What to Look For: Two judo athletes in the middle of a throw.
Estimated Value: Around £18–£25, with top-condition coins possibly reaching £40 or more.
5. Olympic Wrestling 50p (2011)
Why It’s Rare: Slightly fewer minted than Judo, but demand is stronger due to the bold design.
What to Look For: Two athletes grappling mid-match.
Estimated Value: Roughly £620 in near-mint condition.
Where to Buy or Sell Rare Coins?
Whether you’re looking to start collecting or cash in on a valuable find, here are the safest places to trade:
- eBay – Great for getting a sense of real-time market value. Always use buyer protection.
- The Royal Mint Shop – Offers authenticated coins and limited editions.
- Auction Houses (like Spink & Son) – Ideal for high-value or rare items.
- Specialist Coin Dealers – Many have retail shops and provide appraisal services.
Avoid casual sellers on social media unless they have verifiable feedback and credentials.
How to Get Your Coin Valued?
- Check eBay ‘Sold Listings’ to see what similar coins are actually selling for.
- Use online databases like Change Checker or Coin Hunter.
- Visit a coin show or specialist dealer for an in-person evaluation.
- Get graded by a professional service like NGC or PCGS if you believe your coin is worth over £500.
Tips for Beginners in Coin Collecting
- Start with Circulated Coins: Many people find their first rare coins in pocket change.
- Use a Magnifying Glass: Check for small details and minting errors.
- Keep a Coin Journal: Track when and where you found each piece.
- Learn the Lingo: Terms like “uncirculated,” “proof,” and “mintage” will pop up often.
- Join a Community: Reddit, Facebook groups, and forums like Coin Community are great for sharing tips and finds.
These Rare Coins Are Worth Millions – Check If Coin Collecting Is Your Next Big Investment Move
You Might Have a $19 Million Bicentennial Quarter – Check Your Pocket Before You Spend It
This Lincoln Wheat Penny Could Sell for $500,000 – Check If You’re Holding This Rare Mint
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I know if my 50p coin is rare?
A: Start by checking the mintage year and design.
Q: Can I use rare 50p coins in shops?
A: Technically yes, but you’d be spending a coin that could be worth hundreds!
Q: Are all Olympic 50p coins valuable?
A: No. While many are collectible, only a few (like Football, Wrestling, and the Aquatics error) are worth significant amounts.
Q: Should I clean my coins?
A: Never clean coins. It reduces their value. Collectors prefer original, unaltered condition—even if tarnished.
