King Charles Atlantic salmon 50p is the rarest coin in the UK

These new coins, ranging from 1p to £2, featured designs of:

The first coins with King Charles' official portrait on began entering circulation in the UK back in December 2022.

Late in 2023 the Royal Mint unveiled eight new coin designs, reflecting the King’s passion for conservation and the natural world.

These new coins, ranging from 1p to £2, featured designs of:

* Arable

* Atlantic salmon

* British butterfly

* Common frog

* Crab

* Cuttlefish

* Marmalade hoverfly

* Oak tree

The first of these commemorative coins – officially known as definitives – to be released was the 50p featuring the Atlantic Salmon design, entering circulation in November 2023.

The King Charles Atlantic salmon 50p is the rarest coin in the UK according to Royal Mint. (Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire)

These 50p coins are now selling for hundreds of pounds, with one going on eBay for £250 on February 24.

King Charles Atlantic salmon 50p rarest coin in the UK

The King Charles 50p with the image of an Atlantic salmon is now the rarest coin in the UK, according to Royal Mint's 2023 mintage figures (released late last year).

Just 200,000 of the Atlantic Salmon 50ps have been released to UK banks and post offices, 10,000 less than the 2009 Kew Gardens coin.

Director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, Rebecca Morgan, said: “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.”

King Charles banknotes are also extremely valuable with a £20 note selling at auction in July 2024 for £7,000.