50p Coins
WIN ONE OF THREE ULTRA-RARE SALMON 50PS WITH AN EXCLUSIVE PRIVY MARK!
If you thought the Salmon 50p couldn’t get any rarer, think again.
This July, we’re giving three lucky Change Checkers the chance to win one of the most sought-after modern UK coins – a Salmon 50p featuring an exclusive privy mark.
Not one. Not two. But THREE incredible giveaways.
Why is the Salmon 50p so sought after?
Since its release as part of King Charles III’s definitive set, the Salmon 50p has become one of the most talked-about coins in circulation.
With a circulating mintage of just 200,000, it is currently the rarest circulating UK 50p, overtaking the Kew Gardens 50p which held the top spot for over 15 years. It also sits proudly at the top of the latest Change Checker Scarcity Index.
For collectors, that makes it a true modern rarity. While many people are still searching their change in the hope of finding one, very few have been lucky enough to do so.
But these coins are even rarer…
As rare as the standard Salmon 50p is, the coins we’re giving away are in a league of their own.
Each features a special privy mark celebrating 10 years of The Royal Mint Experience.
Unlike the standard circulating version, these coins were never intended for circulation and were only available to be struck during a special three-day period at The Royal Mint Experience.
Now that event has ended, these coins can never be struck again, making them a unique snapshot of a very special anniversary.
What is a privy mark?
A privy mark is a small additional design element added to a coin to commemorate a particular event, milestone or occasion.
They have been used on coins around the world for centuries and are often highly prized by collectors because they distinguish a coin from the standard version.
In this case, the privy mark transforms an already sought-after coin into an exclusive commemorative issue with a fascinating story behind it.
Already proving popular with collectors
The excitement surrounding these special Salmon 50ps has already been reflected on the secondary market.
Individual examples have sold for more than £50 on eBay, demonstrating just how desirable these coins have become among collectors.
When you combine the popularity of the Salmon 50p with an exclusive anniversary privy mark and a strictly limited striking period, it’s easy to see why collectors are eager to get their hands on one.
And now, in an exclusive July giveaway, three of them are up for grabs…
How to enter
Entering couldn’t be easier.
Simply visit:
changechecker.org/shop
and purchase any eligible Change Checker product.
Whether you choose:
- A Change Checker 50p
- A £5 commemorative coin
- A collecting album or folder
- Or any other product from the shop
your purchase will count as one entry into the giveaway.
For all Change Checker subscribers, subscription purchases automatically placed during the window of each giveaway will automatically be entered into the draw.
Every qualifying purchase receives an equal chance of winning.
Giveaway Dates
Giveaway 1
- Opens 12pm On Tuesday 14th July
- Closes: 9am Tuesday 21st July
- Winner drawn live: 12pm Tuesday 21st July
Giveaway 2
- Opens 12pm On Tuesday 21st July
- Closes: 9am Tuesday 28th July
- Winner drawn live: 12pm Tuesday 28th July
Giveaway 3
- Opens 12pm On Tuesday 28st July
- Closes: 9am Tuesday 4th August
- Winner drawn live: 12pm Tuesday 4th August
That’s three separate chances to win one of these incredible coins.
Don’t miss out…
The standard Salmon 50p has already captured the imagination of collectors across the UK.
Add an exclusive anniversary privy mark, a three-day striking window and the opportunity to own a coin that can never be recreated, and you’ve got one of the most exciting giveaway prizes we’ve ever offered.
Good luck to everyone entering – we can’t wait to reveal our winners!
Full Terms and Conditions:
To view the full terms and conditions including free entry details, please click here.
The Snowman™ 50p Returns for Christmas 2025!
For many, The Snowman™ stories are as much a part of Christmas as mince pies and carols – and for collectors, that magic extends to the annual release of the Official UK The Snowman™ 50p coin.
This year’s The Snowman™ 50p is perhaps the most magical yet, and it’s sure to light up your collection!
2025 The Snowman™ 50p lights up Christmas
Designed by award-winning illustrator Robin Shaw, the 2025 UK The Snowman™ 50p features a charming design of The Snowman and James decorating a Christmas tree with twinkling lights.
The heart-warming scene perfectly captures the warmth and excitement of decorating for the festive season – personally my favourite time of year!
A festive tradition
Since 2018, The Royal Mint has treated collectors to a new The Snowman™ 50p every year, and every single one has completely SOLD OUT at The Mint in precious metal specifications! The Silver Proof 2024 The Snowman™ 50p had an edition limit of 7,000 and sold out, so this year’s Silver Proof edition limit of just 5,000 is sure to be snapped up fast!
We asked collectors to vote for their favourite The Snowman™ 50p, and the very first one, featuring The Snowman and James flying through the sky over Brighton Pier was the favourite by a mile!
Do you agree with the votes? Or do you think the 2025 The Snowman™ 50p now takes the top spot? Let us know in the comments!
Continue your The Snowman™ Collection
Secure the 2025 UK The Snowman™ 50p for your collection for just £9.99 (+p&p) >>
The Public Libraries 50p – Celebrating 150 Years of Free Libraries
In 2000, the Royal Mint issued a special 50p coin to celebrate one of the most important milestones in the history of education and public access to knowledge – the 150th anniversary of the Public Libraries Act of 1850. With over 11.2 million released into circulation, this commemorative coin remains a fascinating find for collectors.
The Public Libraries Act of 1850
The Public Libraries Act marked the very first time local boroughs in the UK were given the power to establish free public libraries. Before this point, access to books and education was largely limited to those with wealth or private means.
Image Credit: Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net) via Wikimedia Commons
The Act represented a huge step towards universal access to information and literature, and it’s widely regarded as a milestone in the social education of the country. For millions of people, the establishment of free public libraries opened doors to learning, opportunity, and personal development.
150 Years of Free Libraries
The reverse design of the 2000 Public Libraries 50p, created by Mary Milner Dickens, beautifully captures the spirit of the library system. It features the turning pages of a stylised book, set atop the roof of a classical library building. Surrounding the image are the inscriptions ‘1850–2000‘ and ‘PUBLIC LIBRARIES‘.
It’s a striking tribute to the enduring importance of libraries and their role in shaping society.
Mintage and Collectability
The Public Libraries 50p was first issued in the 2000 Annual Coin Set which included the 8 definitive coins from the 1p to the £2, and, in the Deluxe Proof edition, the Millennium Anno Domini £5.
A total of 11,263,000 Public Libraries 50ps entered circulation later that year, making it a relatively common issue compared with some of the rarer 50p designs. However, it remains a popular piece among collectors due to its subject matter and distinctive design.
In 2009, the design was re-issued as part of a 16 coin set commemorating the 40th anniversary of the 50p. The set was issued in Proof, Silver Proof, Gold Proof and even Gold Piedfort, and with the Proof set having an issue limit of just 5,000, it’s far scarcer than the original 2000 issue.
Silver Proof 50p Collection
Do you have the 2000 Public Libraries 50p in your collection? If so, be sure to add it to your collection on the Change Checker Swap Centre.
Our Swap Centre is the best place to track your coin collection and swap your coins with other collectors, and it’s completely FREE to use!
