04 February 2021
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The Royal Mint has released their latest mintage figures, revealing the rarest coins in circulation, confirming that the 2009 Kew Garden 50p remains the rarest coin in circulation.
The Royal Mint has posted the mintage figures for the calendar year of 2019, providing the only official guide to the rarest coins in circulation.
In 2019 over 500 million coins were released into circulation, including three new 50p designs celebrating Arthur Conon Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, and Paddington the Bear at St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London.
The figures have been revealed ahead of the 50th anniversary of Decimalisation, which takes place on 15 February and saw the introduction of many of the coins used today.
The shape of the 50p made it the ideal canvas for special commemorative designs, and over 70 events, anniversaries and individuals have been celebrated on circulating 50 pence pieces.
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Kew Gardens 50p still on top
The 2009 Kew Gardens 50p remains the most coveted coin in circulation, with a mintage of just 210,000. Other rare designs include the 2011 Olympic 50p’s and the highly collectible Peter Rabbit 2018 coins.
The Royal Mint’s Director of UK Currency, Mark Loveridge, said:
“The 50p was introduced as part of decimalisation and has grown to become Britain’s favourite coin. The innovate shape of the coin makes it perfect for commemorative designs, and over the years we’ve commemorated many iconic occasions, events and individuals on a 50p."
Read more about 50p coins
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Your guide to Paddington Bear 50p coins
“Coin collecting remains as popular as ever, and we were delighted to release a number of special designs into circulation in 2019. The Kew Gardens remains the most coveted coin, with a mintage of just 210,000 but it’s always exciting to find a special design in your change. As we approach the 50th anniversary of decimalisation, we are proud that this iconic work of art remains in the nation’s pocket.”
Rarest 50p designs released into circulation in 2019
|
2019 coins |
Total mintage figures |
|
50p Sherlock |
8,602,000 |
|
50p Paddington at the Tower |
9,001,000 |
|
50p Paddington at St Paul's |
9,001,000 |
Rarest 50p designs in circulation
|
Mintage year |
50 pence coins |
Total mintage figures |
|
2009 |
Kew Garden |
210,000 |
|
2011 |
Olympic Wrestling |
1,129,500 |
|
2011 |
Olympic Football |
1,161,500 |
|
2011 |
Olympic Judo |
1,161,500 |
|
2011 |
Olympic Triathlon |
1,163,500 |
|
2018 |
Peter Rabbit |
1,400,000 |
|
2018 |
Flopsy Bunny |
1,400,000 |
|
2011 |
Olympic Tennis |
1,454,000 |
|
2011 |
Olympic Goalball |
1,615,500 |
|
2011 |
Olympic Shooting |
1,656,500 |