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'Rare' British 50p coin from 2023 could be worth a small fortune - what to look for

The Royal Mint has confirmed the 'rarest 50p coin in circulation' and now some collectors and experts are pricing the 50p coins from 2023 for as much as 260

[A stack of fifty pence coins on a white background.]

Check your change(Image: james-green1 via Getty Images)

Before you toss aside that loose change in your purse, take a moment to inspect your coins. A recently minted 50p could be worth more than you think.

At first glance, it's just an ordinary seven-sided silver 50p coin, minted a mere two years ago. But according to the Royal Mint, this is no ordinary coin - it's 'the rarest 50p coin in circulation', with only 200,000 of them out there.

"In 2023, the Atlantic salmon became the rarest 50p coin in circulation," say experts at the British coin manufacturer. "Part of eight new definitive designs representing flora and fauna from across all four UK nations following His Majesty King Charles III's accession to the throne, it entered circulation at the end of November 2023."

The 2023 coins, which were released six months after King Charles III's coronation, bear a portrait of the king on one side, drawn by Martin Jennings. On the other side, there's a unique image of a salmon, reportedly inspired by His Majesty's passion for environmental conservation, reports Bristol Live

Atlantic salmon populations are facing peril due to climate change, overfishing, pollution, and various human activities. Yet, they can still be glimpsed in the unspoilt rivers of Scotland and Wales, as well as select spots in North and South West England.

At present, the Britannia Coin Company has priced certain '2023 Atlantic Salmon' coins starting at 150. On eBay, some listings have soared up to 260, with experts forecasting that their demand and value could rise even more.

Specialists at Copes Coins have pinpointed that the most coveted coins are those missing a 'privy mark', which is a tiny crown symbol near the base of His Majesty's neck.

In a recent blog post, they stated: "The Salmon 50p coins in the Royal Mint sets include the special privy mark (the little crown) shown below, behind the King's head. This version of the coin is only found in the 2023 Definitive Annual Sets, and can still be bought from the Royal Mint for 34."

[The reverse face of a 50-pence coin, featuring a design of an Atlantic salmon, displayed by the Royal Mint in London, UK, on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023. The new coins marking King Charles III's ascension to the throne will enter circulation by the end of the year and gradually replace Queen Elizabeth's shield formation. Photographer: Chris J. Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images]

The reverse face of a 50-pence coin, featuring a design of an Atlantic salmon(Image: Bloomberg, Bloomberg via Getty Images)

They continued: "The version you will find in your change WILL NOT have a privy mark[...] The coins without a privy mark and dated 2023 are the rarest coins in circulation, and they are the ones that have a mintage figure of only 200,000."

It's also crucial to remember that several other elements can affect a coin's value. For instance, a coin in poor condition is expected to fetch a lower price than one that is nearly in mint state.

Coins which are in perfect condition are generally worth far more than counterparts that have been damaged or show significant signs of wear, according to Chris Yang, co-founder of Coins Value. He previously told the Daily Record: "Coins in perfect 'mint' condition are worth far more than their well-worn, damaged, and poor-condition counterparts. Sometimes a minor difference in grade translates to hundreds, maybe thousands in value."

Yang recommends getting your coins professionally identified and graded before selling, as this could significantly boost your profits. Meanwhile, he also urged people to team up with experienced numismatists to determine the real value of their coins so that they can sell them for the best price.

He said, "In sum, scrutinise your coins, have them identified and graded professionally, and work with experienced numismatists to determine the real value of your coins so that you can sell them for the best price.

"Remember, the thrill of coin collecting isn't always about striking gold; it's about connecting with history and uncovering hidden treasures. Your old coin jar might hold more than just spare change it could be a portal to a fascinating past."

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