Blog Home
The Top 5 50p Coin Series and why you should be collecting them
Since the 50p coin was first introduced back in 1969, we’ve seen it change size, weight and obverse monarch. It’s become the go-to denomination for some fantastic series, but which 50p series are the most popular?
Here are Change Checker’s top 5 50p coin series that you need in your collection.
5. Paddington 50ps
Starting with Britain’s best loved bear, Paddington. This 50p series began in 2018 with the issue of two brand new coins entering circulation. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of Paddington’s first book appearance, these two coins show Paddington outside Buckingham Palace and at Paddington Station.
The series was so popular that in 2019, a further two Paddington 50ps were issued. This time showing the marmalade loving bear tucking into his favourite snack outside the Tower of London and tipping his hat at St Paul’s Cathedral.
These coins are some of the most popular issues in the last five years and with designs as charming as this, you can understand why.
4. Winnie the Pooh 50ps
Next up, we’ve got another adorable bear, Winnie the Pooh, who first appeared on a UK 50p in 2020. This was the first 50p in a nine coin series celebrating 95 years of fun filled adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood.
These coins feature famous characters from the stories, such as Owl, Kanga & Roo, Piglet and Pooh himself. Despite not entering circulation, these coins have been in high demand, with some limited edition presentations selling out at The Royal Mint within just hours of release. But don’t worry if you missed out, you can browse Change Checker’s remaining Winnie the Pooh stock here >>
3. Innovation in Science Series
Now, cast your mind back to 2019 when The Royal Mint released the first coin their Innovation in Science Series, the Stephen Hawking 50p. It was a record breaking sell out success, with worldwide interest and news articles across the globe about this new coin.
The Stephen Hawking 50p was so popular that even her late majesty Queen Elizabeth II commented that it was one of her favourite coin designs.
It kick started a hugely popular coin series which later brought us the Insulin 50p, Alan Turing 50p, and Rosalind Franklin 50p, to name just a few.
2. Beatrix Potter 50ps
In second place, we’ve got the incredibly popular Beatrix Potter 50ps. The first 50p, issued in 2016, featuring a charming design of Peter Rabbit inspired a whole new generation of collectors, appealing to children, their parents and grandparents.
The 2018 Flopsy Bunny and Peter Rabbit 50ps each had mintage figures of only 1.4 million, making them some of the rarest 50ps in circulation. The Beatrix Potter coins are some of the most collectable 50ps, so whichever ones you have in your collection, you should be very pleased.
1. 2012 Olympic 50ps
In the top spot, the most popular 50p series of all time is the 2012 Olympic 50ps. This series was issued to celebrate the games being hosted in London in 2012. All 29 of the 2012 Olympic 50ps entered circulation, and they’re some of the rarest 50ps out there.
The football 50p, which features a design of the hotly debated offside rule, has a circulating mintage of just 1.125 million. This makes it the second rarest 50p currently in circulation.
Five years ago, it was estimated that over 75% of the Olympic 50p coins were removed from circulation into private collections, meaning even less are now out there to find.
Are you lucky enough to have any of these popular 50ps in your collection? Let us know in the comments!
Guarantee all new UK coins for you collection
Join the Change Checker UK CERTIFIED BU Subscription Service and receive the very latest UK coins sent to you door without the hassle of placing orders on the day of release!
UK’s FIRST Coronation 50p – JUST RELEASED!
The UK’s FIRST Coronation 50p and £5 coin have JUST been released!
In this blog, I’ll share all you need to know about these new coins, including how they could become the most sought-after issues EVER.
2023 UK Coronation 50p
The most significant royal event of our generation has been celebrated with a UK 50p coin, struck by The Royal Mint to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III.
This is the UK’s FIRST coronation 50p – Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953 was marked with a Crown coin.
The design features the royal cypher set against Westminster Abbey, where the King will be crowned.
But, what makes this coin particularly special is a feature you eagle eyed collectors will be sure to spot.
Simply take a look on the obverse of this 50p and you’ll notice it differs from other King Charles III coins…
That’s because The Royal Mint have created a collector version of the coin with an unusual twist – showing a crowned effigy of the King!
Whilst we’ve all grown familiar with seeing a crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth on our coins, traditionally male monarchs do not wear crowns on UK coinage – which is why the standard King Charles coins show him uncrowned.
However, breaking from tradition to commemorate this remarkable royal event, the new King Charles III Coronation 50p shows His Majesty wearing the Tudor Crown.
This special obverse design is only available in collector quality and can’t be found in your change – making for a unique addition to any collection.
What’s more, the first 50,000 will be available in LIMITED EDITION Change Checker Coronation Cards featuring a gold edge to mark the event.
Don’t miss the chance to own yours for just £5.99 (+p&p) here >>
Is the UK’s FIRST Coronation 50p the most sought-after coin EVER?
Collecting firsts are key for driving up demand – just think back to the worldwide popularity of the UK’s first royal 50p, the Platinum Jubilee 50p.
Within the first 24 hours of release, all limited edition presentations of the Platinum Jubilee 50p completely SOLD OUT.
In fact, even the Brilliant Uncirculated quality presentations of the Platinum Jubilee 50p and £5 coins are still selling for £26 on secondary market sites.
AND, the circulating version of the Platinum Jubilee 50p recently sold for £20 on eBay.
So, considering this is the UK’s FIRST coronation 50p, as well as the addition of a unique obverse design, this new coin has all the hallmarks of a classic story.
Coronation celebrated on UK’s flagship royal coin
Alongside the 50p coin, The Royal Mint has also issued a brand new UK £5 – the flagship royal coin.
The reverse design by Timothy Noad features a depiction of St. Edward’s Crown, accompanied by the sovereign’s sceptre with dove and the sovereign’s sceptre with cross with the inscription “THE CORONATION OF KING CHARLES III 6 MAY 2023”.
The obverse also features the special crowned portrait of His Majesty, created especially for the Coronation Coin Range.
This brand new £5 coin is the perfect pairing to the UK’s first coronation 50p. Get your hands on it in Brilliant Uncirculated quality >>
Don’t miss out on owning the 2023 Coronation coins
Avoid disappointment by adding the 2023 UK Coronation 50p and £5 coins to your collection today.
Don’t forget, the first 50,000 collectors will receive the Brilliant Uncirculated 50p in LIMITED EDITION Change Checker Coronation Cards featuring a gold edge.
Demand for King Charles III Coins reaches across the pond
Since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, there’s been a huge shake up in the numismatic world. Not only have collectors been rushing to secure the very last coins featuring Queen Elizabeth II, but wanting to be the first to own new coins bearing King Charles III’s effigy.
But UK collectors aren’t the only ones wanting to collect new King Charles III coins…
A recent survey carried out by The Royal Mint revealed that coin collectors in the United States are interested in collecting new UK commemorative coins. Coin collectors in the US said their attitude to UK coins is changing as a new British monarch takes to the throne.
The figures
- 21% of US coin collectors said they see the start of King Charles III’s reign as an opportunity to begin collecting UK commemorative coins.
- 44% of US coin collectors already purchase UK commemorative coins.
- 54% of US collectors of UK commemorative coins say they plan to increase their UK commemorative coin spend in 2023.
- 76% of US collectors of UK commemorative coins have a positive view of King Charles III. This rose to 81% among a younger audience.
The Head of International Marketing at The Royal Mint, Josh Nesfield, said: “This new research shows growing appetite among US collectors for UK commemorative coins and how the change in UK monarchy is creating new coin interests for US Coin Collector. For years, The Royal Mint has supported US coin collectors as they build their UK commemorative coin collections. We are delighted that more collectors plan to start building their UK coin collections.”
What does this mean for UK collectors?
This encouraging research highlights a continued appetite for UK coins among US numismatists, with it undeniably increasing in line with the new monarchy. The increasing excitement among US collectors means that demand for new UK coins will be at an all time high, especially during the lead up to King Charles III’s coronation.
Considering this, collectors will want to act fast to make sure they don’t miss out on owning these significant issues. Especially as demand is sure to increase in years to come.
Sign up for priority updates
If you haven’t already registered your interest in UK King Charles III Coronation coins, be sure to sign up here to avoid missing out when they become available >>
Guarantee all future King Charles III coins for your collection
Join the Change Checker UK CERTIFIED BU Subscription Service and receive the very latest UK King Charles III coins sent to your door without the hassle of placing orders on the day of release!