Could This Be the Most Valuable 50 Pence Coin Ever?

An exceptionally rare 50 pence coin commemorating the 2012 London Olympics is currently listed on an online marketplace for £23, significantly higher than its face value. Designated as the "offside rule 50p," it is the rarest of the 29 coins issued in 2011 and holds the distinction of introducing the youngest-ever designer of United Kingdom coinage.

Is This the Most Valuable 50 Pence Coin Ever?

A rare "offside rule" 50 pence coin, considered the scarcest of the 29 designs issued in 2011 to celebrate the London 2012 Olympics, has hit the online marketplace for a jaw-dropping 40 times its face value.

What's the Deal with This Coin?

The offside rule 50p coin, touted as "in good condition," was one of 29 designs selected from a public competition. A spokesperson for the Royal Mint, who hosted the contest, explained that the competition drew 30,000 submissions and resulted in the youngest-ever designer being featured on a United Kingdom coin at just nine years old.

How Rare Is This Coin?

Royal Mint noted that the mintage for these Olympic coins ranged widely, with the archery coin by Piotr Powaga boasting the highest mintage at 3,345,500 and the wrestling coin by Roderick Enriquez having the lowest at 1,129,500. The offside rule 50p, therefore, falls into the category of rare and exciting collectibles.

Is It Worth Buying?

Royal Mint advises collectors to determine the circulation of a coin before deciding on a price. In this case, the asking price of £23 plus £2.70 postage seems steep, but the coin's rarity could potentially justify the premium.

Where to Find It?

If you're interested in owning this numismatic gem, you can check out the listing on the online marketplace here. However, be prepared to shell out a hefty sum if you want to add it to your collection.