A rare 50p coin has fetched more than 800 times its face value after an online auction.
The 2009 Kew Gardens piece drew 34 bids on eBay before being snapped up for £415.
Released by the Royal Mint in 2009, only 210,000 copies of the coin were ever produced for general circulation.
The coin was struck to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of London's Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in 1759.
The reverse design features the famous Chinese Pagoda at Kew with a decorative leafy bough wrapping itself around the tower, alongside the fourth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.
The design has long been considered one of the most iconic and sought-after 50p pieces in circulation.
Its low circulating mintage and sustained collector demand have made finding an example exceptionally scarce.
Five Incredibly Rare and Valuable British Coins
What makes a coin valuable?
The 50p piece provides a distinct heptagonal canvas for coin designers.
With a diameter of 27.5mm, it is the largest British coin in circulation and offers space for commemorative artwork.
Rarity serves as the primary factor driving collector demand and market prices.
Low mintage figures mean fewer examples exist to buy or trade.
Coin condition also plays an important role, with well-preserved specimens securing higher prices.
Collectors also prize unusual design errors and striking flaws that escape the mint.
Sales avenues can influence the price realised for a rare coin.
Sellers often turn to competitive online bidding on eBay to test market demand.
Others prefer formal valuations from professional coin dealers to establish a certified market value.
Royal Mint top 10 most valuable 50p coins
Royal Mint mintage figures confirm the rarest 50p designs to enter general circulation:
- Atlantic Salmon (2023), 200,000
- Kew Gardens (2009), 210,000
- Olympic Wrestling (2011), 1,129,500
- Olympic Football (2011), 1,161,500
- Olympic Judo (2011), 1,161,500
- Olympic Triathlon (2011), 1,163,500
- Peter Rabbit (2018), 1,400,000
- Flopsy Bunny (2018), 1,400,000
- Olympic Tennis (2011), 1,454,000
- Olympic Goalball (2011), 1,615,500
The 2023 Atlantic Salmon coin holds the title as the rarest 50p design in circulation.
Anyone checking their loose change is urged to keep an eye out for these scarce editions.
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