The Royal Mint has introduced the Atlantic Salmon 50p coin, now recognized as the rarest coin in circulation. This coin not only features the Atlantic Salmon but also the portrait of King Charles III, marking a historical shift. The coin takes the spotlight as it surpasses the previously rare 2009 Kew Gardens 50p, which had held the top position for 15 years.
A New Rare Coin
Only 200,000 of these Atlantic Salmon 50p coins have been distributed to banks and post offices across the UK. This is 10,000 fewer coins than the Kew Gardens 50p, which was highly sought after by collectors for years.
The Royal Mint’s announcement came alongside the release of their 2023 mintage figures, which highlighted the coins currently in circulation. The past year has been significant for British coinage, as it marked the final steps of transitioning to King Charles III’s image on coins.
Several new designs across all denominations, from the 1p to £2 coins, now celebrate Charles’ dedication to conservation and the natural world. These designs include wildlife like bees and the hazel dormouse.
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A Collector’s Dream
Since its first release, the 50p coin has become highly collectable, with over 100 different designs featured on its reverse. The introduction of the Atlantic Salmon 50p adds another layer of excitement for coin collectors. Six of the ten rarest 50p coins are related to the 2012 London Olympics, and popular characters such as Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny from 2018 have also made their way onto this rare coin list.
Rebecca Morgan, the director of commemorative coins at the Royal Mint, expressed her excitement, noting that the Atlantic Salmon coin has replaced the Kew Gardens coin as the rarest 50p in circulation. Morgan stated, “For the first time in 15 years, the Kew Gardens 50p has been dethroned as the rarest coin, with the Atlantic Salmon leaping into first place. This is a thrilling development for coin collectors everywhere.”
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Significant Changes in 2023
The year 2023 has marked a crucial period for the UK’s coinage. With the transition to King Charles III’s portrait and the introduction of coins commemorating his coronation, collectors are eager to find these coins in their everyday change. Special designs like the Atlantic Salmon 50p are considered a lucky find for those interested in rare coins.