The Atlantic Salmon 50p coin, featuring the portrait of King Charles III, has officially become the rarest 50p coin in circulation, as confirmed by the Royal Mint. This new coin has surpassed the once highly sought-after 2009 Kew Gardens 50p, which held the title for 15 years.
With only 200,000 Atlantic Salmon 50p coins released into circulation through UK banks and post offices, it beats the Kew Gardens coin by just 10,000 coins, making it even rarer and more desirable among collectors.
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2023 Mintage and King Charles’ Transition to Coins
The Royal Mint’s 2023 mintage report for UK coins in circulation highlighted significant changes, marking the final phase of King Charles III’s transition onto British coinage. These new coins honor his coronation and feature fresh designs, ranging from the 1p to the £2 coin.
Many of these designs celebrate Charles’ dedication to nature and conservation, showcasing wildlife like the hazel dormouse and bees, aligning with the King’s passion for the natural world.
Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coins at the Royal Mint, expressed the importance of this moment, stating:
“For the first time in 15 years, the highly collectable Kew Gardens 50p loses its top spot as the rarest in circulation with the Atlantic Salmon 50p splashing its way to number one.”
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A Collectors’ Dream
The 50p coin has long been considered a collector’s favorite in the UK. Since its introduction, over 100 different designs have appeared on the reverse side, with some becoming highly sought after.
Notably, six out of the 10 rarest 50p coins in circulation are from the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games series. Additionally, the Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny coins from 2018 remain on the list of rarest coins.
For coin collectors, finding a special coin like the Atlantic Salmon 50p in their change is a real prize. With the new mintage figures now public, the excitement in the coin-collecting world is palpable, especially as collectors aim to get their hands on this rare Atlantic Salmon coin.
Why This Coin is Special
In 2023, the nation’s coinage saw a significant transformation with the introduction of coins celebrating King Charles III’s coronation. These changes mark a new chapter for British coins, and the Atlantic Salmon 50p is part of this exciting evolution. As the rarest 50p coin in circulation, it holds both historical and collectible value for enthusiasts.
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.