Very few of the special 50ps were created, making them hugely collectable – and valuable
A rare coins expert has urged Brits to check their loose change ‘before it is too late’ for a unique 50p piece that could be worth hundreds of pounds. The Kew Gardens 50p, released in 2009 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the globally renowned botanic attraction, features an eye-catching pagoda design and has since become highly collectable – and valuable.
Its appeal lies not only in its design but also in its rarity, with just 210,000 released into circulation. The Royal Mint described it as the coin ‘collectors go crazy for’, and said it has drawn many people into coin collecting.
Coincollectingwizard, a specialist in rare coins, stated that finding one means you have ‘hit the jackpot’ as they could fetch hundreds in value. At the time of writing, a quick glance at eBay shows at least one listed for over £300, reports Lancs Live.
Coincollectingwizard advised: “Check your coins before it is too late – you will be glad you did. The Kew Gardens 50p is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in UK circulation. But why is it so special? Let’s break it down. Designed by Christopher Le Brun, it features the famous Great Pagoda at Kew Gardens, with a winding vine wrapped around it.
“This coin was launched in 2009 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Kew Gardens, but only 210,000 were ever minted. That’s an incredibly low number for a 50p, making it the second-rarest one in circulation (second only to the 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p, which has only 200,000 in circulation).
“Because of its rarity, the 2009 Kew Gardens 50p can sell for £140-160-plus, with some reaching £250 or more in perfect condition. Sadly, because of its value, there are fakes out there. Look out for blurry details, missing designer initials, or incorrect weight and size. So, if you find a Kew Gardens 50p in your change, you’ve hit the jackpot.”
The coin displays an image of Queen Elizabeth II on one side and features the famous Chinese Pagoda at Kew with a decorative leafy climber twining in and around the tower on the reverse.
Despite many of these coins being held by private collectors, The Royal Mint has indicated that their scarcity could potentially raise the value even further if you happen to come across one. The low demand for the 50p when it was minted is the reason why so few are in circulation today.
The website says: “Of all the 50p coins, the Kew Gardens 50p is arguably the most sought-after. Nothing gets people excited quite like this original 2009 design.”
