Rare 50p Coins Worth £100 Are In Circulation – How To Spot The Atlantic Salmon Edition
As of June 2025, coin collectors across the UK are on high alert following reports that a rare 50p coin featuring an Atlantic salmon has sold for £100.
The Royal Mint has confirmed this as the rarest 50p coin currently in circulation, overtaking the highly sought-after 2009 Kew Gardens coin.
Let’s dive into why this coin is creating such a stir, what makes it valuable, and how you can identify this rare 50p coin in your everyday change.
Why Is This 50p Coin So Valuable?
The rare Atlantic Salmon 50p coin was introduced in 2023 as part of a special edition release to commemorate King Charles III’s coronation.
What makes this coin particularly valuable is its low mintage of only 200,000, which is rarer than the 2009 Kew Gardens 50p (which had a mintage of 210,000).
Because of this scarcity, collectors are willing to pay top prices. Recent listings on auction sites like eBay show prices ranging from £44.50 to £177, with at least one confirmed sale at £100.
Key Features of the Rare Atlantic Salmon 50p Coin
To help you spot this rare coin, here’s a breakdown of its key features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | Atlantic Salmon 50p |
| Year Issued | 2023 |
| Commemorates | Coronation of King Charles III |
| Obverse (Front) | Effigy of King Charles III |
| Reverse (Back) | Detailed image of an Atlantic salmon |
| Mintage Volume | 200,000 coins only |
| Current Market Value | Between £44.50 and £177, with one sale confirmed at £100 |
| Circulation Status | Active in UK circulation |
| Rarity Rank | Rarest 50p in circulation (as of latest Royal Mint data) |
How to Spot One in Your Change
If you’re handling UK coins regularly, here’s what to look for:
- Tail Side (Reverse): Look for the image of an Atlantic salmon, typically mid-leap with intricate detailing.
- Head Side (Obverse): Features King Charles III’s portrait, making it one of the first coins to feature the new monarch.
- Mint Year: 2023 – verify this under the image of the monarch.
- Design Uniqueness: This is not a commemorative coin that was sold in packaging – it’s a circulating coin, so keep your eyes open during everyday transactions.
Why Collectors Are Excited
The low mintage and unique combination of commemorative significance (coronation of a new king) and natural heritage (Atlantic salmon) make this 50p coin a must-have. Collectors often look for low-minted coins that also tell a story — and this one checks both boxes.
According to numismatic experts, these coins could appreciate in value even further, especially if most of them end up in private collections and are pulled from circulation.
If you’re in the UK, don’t underestimate the value of your spare change. The rare Atlantic Salmon 50p coin could be sitting in your wallet, purse, or biscuit tin — and it might be worth £100 or more.
With only 200,000 in circulation, it’s one of the lowest minted 50p coins ever released, making it a collector’s dream. So next time you get 50p back in change, give it a second look — it could be a small fortune in disguise.
FAQs
What makes the Atlantic Salmon 50p coin so rare?
Its limited mintage of only 200,000 and its role in commemorating King Charles III’s coronation make it highly valuable to collectors.
Can I still find this coin in circulation?
Yes. It was released into UK circulation at the end of 2023 and is still in active use in 2025, although being quickly snapped up by collectors.
Where can I sell the Atlantic Salmon 50p coin if I find one?
You can list it on auction websites like eBay, or consult coin dealers. Recent listings show these coins fetching up to £177.
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