Common 50p coin could be worth up to £60 - what to look for

The Royal Arms design of the coin is familiar to many, having entered into circulation in 2008, however, there is a detail that may make it worth far more than 50p.

The coin wasn’t issued in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2016, 2018 or 2021 according to coin dealer The Britannia Coin Company.

This means Royal Arms coins with those dates could be worth as much as £60.

Sharing tips on a recent TikTok video, the company said: “You have probably seen loads of these in your change, but you are looking at the wrong side.

“The date on the reverse is what can make this coin so rare.

“They were not made for circulation in 2021, 2018, 2010, 2011, 2016 or 2009.

“If you find one with these years it should not be in your change and can be worth up to £60.”

The coin experts also recommend looking out for a Royal Arms 50p coin with the date of 2017, as only 1.8 million entered circulation that year.

While they would not be worth as much as £60, they would certainly be worth more than 50p, with one selling for £5.

What makes a coin valuable?

The 50 pence piece has become the most valued and collected coin in the UK, with many collectable designs appearing on its heptagonal canvas.

Its 27.5mm diameter makes it the largest of any British coin, and allows space for decorative pictures. It has often been used to celebrate big events over the past 50 years of British history.

The rarest coins tend to be of the greatest value, with the mintage (number of coins with each design made) being the fundamental attraction for collectors.

Along with the design, other aspects of the coin which increase value are the condition of the coin and whether it has an error in its design.

The way in which it is sold can also determine the coin’s value - while some coin collectors will bid vast amounts of money on ebay or at auction, others opt for more robust valuations by selling via a coin dealer.