A rare 50p coin has fetched more than 400 times its face value after an online auction.
The Kew Gardens piece drew 18 bids on eBay before being snapped up for £213.50.
Released by the Royal Mint in 2009, only 210,000 copies of the coin were ever produced.
The coin was introduced to celebrate the 250th anniversary of London's famous royal botanical garden.
Its reverse design by Christopher Le Brun features the famous Chinese Pagoda entwined with a decorative climber, alongside the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.
The piece has long been regarded as one of the most sought-after coins in modern British circulation.
A low initial mintage combined with intense collector demand means very few examples remain in everyday circulation.
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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