Rare coins are all the rage right now but it turns out a common 50p is currently the talk of the town... So do you have this little gem sitting in your wallets?
Christine Younan Deputy Editor Social Newsdesk
11:56, 14 Dec 2025
It's always good to check your change for anything worth more than face value. Whether it's the rarest 50p coin or just any old penny sitting in your stash, some are certainly more special than others.
Now it's not just rare coins which are good to keep an eye on as one common 50p is currently getting a lot of attention. But before you rush to your collection, one expert warned it's not as exciting as you think. According to Instagram user @CoinCollectingWizard, who boasts 36,600 followers, Brits need to be wary of this 1997 piece which has been listed for £24million.
He recently warned this coin is ordinary but there are many fake pictures out there. The expert said: "Look at this photo... A 1997 50p worth £24million! These viral photos keep popping up online claiming that an ordinary 1997 50p is worth £24 million… but let's clear it up right now."
He revealed it's "100% fake and the photo is edited". It's also worth remembering no UK 50p coin has ever sold for anything close to that.
The expert continued: "1997 50p coins were minted in huge numbers, and they're worth exactly what you think... 50p. Scam pages create these posts to get clicks, shares, and followers by making people believe they have a life-changing coin in a drawer.
"If you ever see claims like 'this 50p is worth millions,' it's always a doctored image or misinformation. Stay smart and always check with real collectors before believing these viral coin myths!"
When it comes to the rarest 50p coin in circulation, the 2023 Atlantic Salmon is what you're after. There's just 200,000 of these minted and recently took the title from the Kew Gardens 50p, which was recently the rarest of them all.
Collectors are actively seeking these, especially the Salmon coin, which is causing values to "skyrocket," making it the new "holy grail" for finding in your change right now.
Top 4 rare 50p coins to look for:
- Atlantic Salmon (2023): The current rarest, with just 200,000 released, featuring King Charles III and the salmon design.
- Kew Gardens (2009): Held the top spot for years, with 210,000 minted, depicting the Chinese Pagoda.
- Benjamin Bunny (2017): Rare if it has a rotation error (Queen's head facing the wrong way).
- 2012 Olympics 50p Football: The version explaining the offside rule is particularly sought after.
If you think you found a rare coin, first you must consult a professional who can have it valued for you.