UK coins
Change Checker LIVE Coronation 50p Swap! Join us at the Royal International Air Tattoo…
In celebration of King Charles III’s Coronation this year, the UK’s FIRST EVER Coronation 50p has been issued.
We know that this coin will be entering circulation later in 2023, but a special Crowned Portrait obverse design has been issued just for collectors – and we want to give you the chance to own one for face value!
This version of the coin won’t be found in your change, but you can add it to your collection by swapping an old 50p for the brand new one when you join us at our latest Change Checker Live Event.
Join us at the Royal International Air Tattoo from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th July and bring along ANY UK 50p coin to swap for the 2023 King Charles III 50p with the special Crowned obverse!
The event takes place at RAF Fairford, where thrilling sights and sounds of several hundred aircraft of all shapes and sizes, from all eras and countries of the world, gather for this unique adrenalin-fuelled occasion.
With an event as patriotic as this, we simply had to bring along this special version of the Coronation 50p for collectors to get their hands on!
We’ll be taking 1,000 coins with us to swap each day and swaps will be limited to one per person on a first come first served basis, whilst stocks last.
Come and see us to swap your 50ps!
Known as the world’s largest military air show, the Royal International Air Tattoo sees crowds flock annually to the Cotswolds to experience the thrill of the show.
We’ll be swapping 50ps with collectors across all three days, so be sure to come and say hello! You can find us at the Village Green stalls near the main runway.
Can’t attend this event?
Don’t worry! We’ll also be at the New Forest & Hampshire County Show from Tuesday 25th July to Thursday 27th July swapping the new King Charles III Coronation 50p!
Find out more about the New Forest & Hampshire County Show event >>
FAQs
How do I buy tickets to the event?
You can book your tickets from the Royal International Air Tattoo website here.
How do I get to the event?
Visitor travel details can be found on the Royal International Air Tattoo website here.
Where can I find you at the event?
Once our exact position has been confirmed we will update this blog and will be sure to post an update on social media once we’re all set up.
Can I swap more than one coin?
Such is the popularity of our Live Coin Swaps and to ensure that it is fair for everybody, we’ll be limiting the number of swaps to strictly 1 swap per person.
Can I reserve a coin before I arrive?
To ensure it is a fair swap event for everyone, we do not offer reservations of coins. It is a strictly first come first served basis.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Secure the 2023 UK Coronation 50p in Brilliant Uncirculated quality!
Whilst we hope you’re excited to swap your 50p coin for the brand new Coronation 50p at our live swap event, if you want to ensure this coin is guaranteed for your collection, you can do so for JUST £4.99 (+p&p) >>
Be sure you don’t miss out!
Sir Isaac Newton 50p becomes EVEN MORE collectible
The Sir Isaac Newton 50p is one of the most popular 50ps in circulation. Shortly after it was issued in 2017, it ranked as the second rarest 50p in circulation after the Kew Gardens 50p, with a mintage figure of just 1.8 million.
Due to its huge popularity, the following year The Royal Mint announced that collectors would be able to strike their own 2018 dated Sir Isaac Newton 50p at The Royal Mint Experience. The 2018 dated coin became one of the rarest 50ps, as the only way to get one was to strike your own.
What makes this 50p so popular?
The coin’s incredibly detailed reverse design by Aaron West is based on elements of Propsition 11, in Book One of Newton’s Principia Mathematica. It also pays tribute to the legacy of Sir Isaac Newton, a genius of the Scientific Revolution and one of the most famous figures to ever hold the role of Master of the Mint.
Change Checkers even voted the 2017 Sir Isaac Newton 50p as their all time favourite Queen Elizabeth II circulating 50p in a poll last year.
An interesting error
As if this coin’s incredible popularity, intricate design and low mintage figure weren’t enough to make it extremely collectible, there’s something else you should look out for...
Several collectors have reported finding an error on their 2017 Sir Isaac Newton 50p. The reverse design looks normal, however the obverse appears to have several extra lines across Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait.
Credit: @The50pC on Twitter
This is thought to be an error caused during the striking process, a result of what is known as a die clash. Interestingly, the extra lines aren’t grooves scratched into the surface of the coin, but rather ‘whiskers’ standing slightly proud of the surface.
How rare is it?
Although we don’t know for sure how many of these error coins are in circulation, they’re thought to be extremely rare. They’ve even been listed on the secondary market for more than 100 times face value!
Always make sure you’re careful buying coins on the secondary market to avoid being overcharged.
Have you ever found an error coin in your change? Or perhaps you have this one? Let us know in the comments below!
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Your guide to collecting King Charles III coins
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 the late Queen, but wanting to be the first to own new coins bearing King Charles III’s effigy.
Here are some tips to guide you in building your King Charles III coin collection.
1. Use cash
It may seem obvious, but the best way to increase your chances of finding a King Charles coin in your change is to use cash. And where possible, ask for your change to be given in the denominations you’re interested in.
For example, if you’re looking for the Queen Elizabeth Memorial 50p, which is the first coin to enter circulation featuring the King on the obverse, ask for your change in 50ps.
2. Look closely
Make sure you’re looking closely at the coins in your change to check whether you have a commemorative coin, especially one featuring His Majesty.
The most obvious difference will be the effigy on the obverse of the coin. But it’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the reverse designs of commemorative coin so you know what you’re looking out for.
3. Do your research
The best way to identify coins you’ve found in your change is by using our Change Checker Web App.
Simply select the denomination, year and obverse monarch of the coin you’ve found to view all the possible coins it could be. You’ll find information like mintage figures and facts about the theme or designer.
You can also find much more information about your coin on our blog.
4. Check our scarcity index
Something else you’ll find on our web app is where each coin ranks on our scarcity index.
We combine mintage figures with how often a coin has been listed in collections to determine how scarce and sought after each coin is. Our scarcity index is updated quarterly as there can be some pretty big shake ups in the rankings.
5. Swap with others
If you’re looking for a specific coin and aren’t having any luck finding it in your change, you can use the swap centre on our web app or our Facebook community group to swap coins with other collectors.
Who knows, someone else might just have the coin you’re looking for!
Happy Hunting!
So there you have it, 5 tips you can use to start collecting King Charles III coins!
You may already have an impressive collection including some new King Charles coins. If so, post a photo of yours on social media and tag us, we’d love to see them!
