• The Royal Mint publishes 2023 mintage figures for UK coins in circulation
• His Majesty King Charles III’s 50p coin depicting the Atlantic Salmon is rarest 50p in active circulation
• Just 200,000 of the definitive 50ps have been released, 10,000 less than the 2009 Kew Gardens coin.

7^th October 2024: His Majesty King Charles III’s 50p coin has been officially crowned as the rarest 50p in active circulation, following the latest mintage figures published by The Royal Mint.

The coin depicting the Atlantic Salmon has knocked the highly collectable 2009 Kew Gardens 50p off the top spot for the first time, with just 200,000 released to UK banks and post offices at the end of last year. A total of 210,000 2009 Kew Gardens coins were released into circulation 15 years ago.

As the nation’s most collectable coin, the 50p has seen over 100 different designs appear on its reverse (tails) since its introduction. These include special designs for the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games and milestone Royal occasions such as His Majesty King Charles III coronation.

Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint said; “The releasing of mintage figures is an eagerly anticipated event among the coin collecting community – and this year is particularly exciting as we reveal the Atlantic Salmon as the rarest 50p in circulation. For the first time in 15 years, the highly collectable Kew Gardens 50p loses its top spot as the rarest in circulation with the Atlantic Salmon 50p splashing its way to number one. 

2023 marked pivotal changes for the nation’s coinage, including the introduction of coins celebrating King Charles III’s coronation entering circulation. Finding these special designs, like the Atlantic Salmon, in your change is a win for all collectors.”

The 10 Rarest 50ps in Circulation

Rarity	Coin	Mintage
1.	2023 Atlantic Salmon UK 50p	200,000
2.	2009 Kew Gardens UK 50p	210,000
3.	2011 Olympic Football UK 50p	1,125,500
4.	2011 Olympic Wrestling UK 50p	1,129,500
5.	2011 Olympic Judo UK 50p	1,161,500
6.	2011 Olympic Triathlon UK 50p	1,163,500
7.	2018 Peter Rabbit UK 50p	1,400,000
8.	2018 Flopsy Bunny UK 50p	1,400,000
9.	2011 Olympic Tennis UK 50p	1,454,000
10.	2011 Olympic Goalball UK 50p	1,615,500

 

2023 marked the final chapter of His Majesty King Charles III’s transition onto UK coins, with coins commemorating the coronation and new designs across all denominations from the 1p - £2. Each design highlights King Charles III’s passion for conservation and the natural world, featuring wildlife such as the hazel dormouse and bees.

The full mintage figures can be found on The Royal Mint’s website: https://www.royalmint.com/currency/uk-currency/mintages/