UK coins
CONFIRMED – the FIRST EVER UK Star Wars 50p!
On May 4th, the FIRST EVER UK Star Wars™ 50p was announced as part of a brand new UK 50p series! Considering the huge popularity of the Star Wars™ franchise and the fact that these are the FIRST EVER UK Star Wars™ 50ps, they’re sure to be highly sought after.
Everything you need to know about the UK Star Wars™ 50ps…
The UK Star Wars™ 50p series will include 4 brand new UK 50ps celebrating the original Star Wars™ trilogy. The reverse designs will feature depictions of:
- R2-D2™ and C-3PO™
- Darth Vader™ and Emperor Palpatine™
- Luke Skywalker™ and Princess Leia™
- Han Solo™ and Chewbacca™
All of the reverse designs will include the inscription ‘STAR WARS’ and each of the 4 coins will include a unique lenticular feature. Martin Jennings’ UK King Charles III effigy will feature on the obverse.
Which design are you most excited for? Let us know >>
A worldwide phenomenon
Since the release of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope in 1977, the epic franchise has taken the world by storm. The Star Wars™ films, television series and video games all helped to create an all-encompassing fictional universe, amassing one of the largest fan bases in the world.
It’s also one of the highest grossing media franchises of all time.
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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!
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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.
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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 >>
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