Rare Kew Gardens 50p Coin Sold for $153 on eBay, Thousands More Remain in Circulation

A rare Kew Gardens 50p coin from 2009, one of only a few hundred thousand minted, recently sold for £139 on eBay. Experts estimate an average value of £156 for this coin, with some fetching up to £200. The coin features the Chinese Pagoda intertwined with a leafy climber and is considered the rarest 50 pence piece currently in circulation.

Rare Kew Gardens 50p Coin Nets £139 on eBay, Thousands More in Circulation

A rare Kew Gardens 50p coin has recently sold for £139 on the online auction platform eBay, reigniting interest in this valuable commemorative piece. The coin, initially released in 2009, has become highly sought after by collectors due to its limited mintage.

The eBay seller listed the circulated coin on March 31st, 2023, with a starting price of £100. After a competitive bidding process, the coin ultimately sold for £139, plus £4 postage for the buyer.

According to experts at Coin Hunter, the Kew Gardens 50p can command an average of £156 on eBay, with some examples fetching as much as £200. Change Checker has identified this coin as the rarest 50p piece currently in circulation.

Designed by renowned artist Christopher Le Brun RA, the Kew Gardens 50p features the iconic Chinese Pagoda from the gardens intertwined with a leafy climber. The coin commemorates the 250th anniversary of Kew Gardens, which was established in 1759.

While there are approximately 210,000 Kew Gardens 50p coins in circulation, not all are equally valuable. The Royal Mint reissued a batch of these coins in 2019 as part of a collection celebrating 50 years of the 50p. These reissued coins typically sell for less on eBay, ranging from £70 to £80.

Collectors are advised to carefully inspect any Kew Gardens 50p coins found in their change, verifying the date stamped on the coin. Only the original 2009 coins are highly coveted by collectors.

The Royal Mint has recognized the popularity of the Kew Gardens 50p, including it in their 2019 British Culture Set commemorating 50 years of the 50p coin. The set includes several other iconic 50p designs, highlighting the rich history and cultural significance of this denomination.