The rarest 50p coin in circulation in the UK has been revealed - and it's not the Kew Gardens

Until recently, the Kew Gardens 50p coin was the rarest of its kind in circulation in the UK. But a new 50p depicting the Atlantic Salmon has taken its place

The Royal Mint has unveiled the most valuable 50p coins in its collection.

Until recently, the Kew Gardens 50p coin was the rarest of its kind in circulation in the UK.

However, a 50p coin depicting the Atlantic Salmon and bearing the King’s portrait is now the rarest 50p coin in circulation, the Royal Mint has confirmed.

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.

The salmon coin was released in 2023 as part of a new set of seven coins to mark the seventieth anniversary of the coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The coins feature new designs on the tails side to celebrate the Queen’s coronation and her passion for the natural world.

The new coins also mark the first time a British monarch has appeared on a 50p coin during their reign.

The coins are available in a range of finishes, including Brilliant Uncirculated, Proof and Gold Proof.

The Brilliant Uncirculated coins are released into general circulation and are the most common type of coin.

The Proof coins are struck to a higher standard and have a frosted design against a polished background.

They are available to purchase from The Royal Mint in a presentation pack or as a set of seven coins.

The Gold Proof coins are struck in 22-carat gold and are available to purchase from The Royal Mint in a presentation case.

The Atlantic Salmon is one of the seven coins in the new Coronation 50p collection from The Royal Mint (Image: Royal Mint/PA Wire)

The seven coins in the new Coronation 50p collection from The Royal Mint (Image: Royal Mint/PA Wire)

The salmon coin is part of a new set of seven coins to mark the seventieth anniversary of the coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II (Image: Royal Mint/PA Wire)

The salmon coin is available in a range of finishes, including Brilliant Uncirculated, Proof and Gold Proof (Image: Royal Mint/PA Wire)

The Brilliant Uncirculated coins are released into general circulation (Image: Royal Mint/PA Wire)

The Proof coins are struck to a higher standard and have a frosted design against a polished background (Image: Royal Mint/PA Wire)

The Gold Proof coins are struck in 22-carat gold (Image: Royal Mint/PA Wire)