Rare Kew Gardens 50p coin could be worth hundreds of pounds

A rare coins expert has suggested Brits should check their loose change 'before it is too late' for a rare 50p piece that could be worth hundreds of pounds.

A rare coins expert has suggested Brits should check their loose change 'before it is too late' for a 50p piece that could be worth hundreds of pounds.

The Royal Mint's Kew Gardens 50p was released in 2009 to mark the 250th anniversary of the world-famous botanic attraction.

It features an eye-catching pagoda design, and has since become hugely collectable - and valuable.

The Royal Mint said it was the coin 'collectors go crazy for', and that it has drawn many people into coin collecting.

Coincollectingwizard, an expert on rare coins, said you have 'hit the jackpot' if you find one as they could reach hundreds in value.

A look on eBay at the time of writing shows at least one listed at in excess of £300.

Coincollectingwizard said: "Check your coins before it is too late - you will be glad you did.

"The Kew Gardens 50p is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in UK circulation. But why is it so special? Designed by Christopher Le Brun, it features the famous Great Pagoda at Kew Gardens, with a winding vine wrapped around it.

"His coin was released in 2009 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Kew Gardens, but only 210,000 were ever minted. That's an incredibly low number for a 50p, making it the second-rarest one in circulation (second only to the 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p, which has only 200,000 in circulation).

"Because of its rarity, the 2009 Kew Gardens 50p can sell for £140-160-plus, with some reaching £250 or more in perfect condition. Sadly, because of its value, there are fakes out there. Look out for blurry details, missing designer initials, or incorrect weight and size. So, if you find a Kew Gardens 50p in your change, you've hit the jackpot."

The coin has an image of Queen Elizabeth II on one side, and features the famous Chinese Pagoda at Kew with a decorative leafy climber going in and around the tower on the other.

The Royal Mint does warn that many of these coins are already in the hands of private collectors, although this could then drive the price up even further if you do find one. Demand for the 50p was low when the coin was produced, explaining the low number in circulation.

The website says: "Of all the 50p coins, the Kew Gardens 50p is arguably the most sought-after. Nothing gets people excited quite like this original 2009 design."