The Royal Mint has today posted the mintage figures for the calendar year of 2020, providing the official guide to the rarest coins in circulation.
In 2020, over 330 million coins were released into circulation, including new 50 pence designs commemorating ‘Diversity Built Britain’ and the UK’s Withdrawal from the European Union. Ten million of each design were released into circulation, making them widely accessible.
The 50 pence is Britain’s most collectable coin and provides the ideal canvas for commemorative designs – with more than 50 different versions released into circulation since 1969. The famous 2009 Kew Gardens 50p remains the most coveted coin in circulation, with a mintage of just 210,000. Other rare designs include the 2011 Olympic 50p’s and the highly collectible Peter Rabbit series.
In January 2020 The Royal Mint issued a new 50 pence to mark the UK’s departure from the European Union, featuring the inscription “Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations” as a symbol of continued unity. In October 2020 a fifty pence was issued to celebrate ‘Diversity Built Britain’ as part of Black History Month. To accompany the release The Royal Mint issued a coin and education pack to every primary school in England and Wales.
The Royal Mint’s Director of UK Currency, Mark Loveridge, comments: “As the original maker of UK coins, we are delighted to play our part in celebrating the story of the nation.
In 2020 two important new designs were issued on fifty pences, commemorating British diversity and the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.
“Coin collecting remains a popular hobby in the UK, and finding a special design in your change adds to the excitement. If you are lucky enough to find a commemorative 50 pence you can find more information about its history, design and mintage on our website.”
As well as the coins found in your change, The Royal Mint issues a range of commemorative coins each year to celebrate landmark events, anniversaries and individuals that have shaped the nation. In 2021 that has included collectable coins celebrating Her Majesty the Queen’s 95th birthday, Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics and the 50th anniversary of Mr Men and Little Miss.
The Royal Mint’s Top 10 Rarest 50p Coins in Circulation
2009 Kew Garden Mintage 210,000
2011 Olympic Wrestling Mintage 1,129,500
2011 Olympic Triathlon Mintage 1,161,500
2011 Olympic Judo Mintage 1,161,500
2011 Olympic Football Mintage 1,161,500
2018 Flopsy Bunny Mintage 1,400,000
2018 Peter Rabbit Mintage 1,400,000
2011 Olympic Tennis Mintage 1,454,000
2011 Olympic Goalball Mintage 1,615,500
2011 Olympic Shooting Mintage1,656,500
In celebration of coin collecting, The Royal Mint will host its’ annual ‘Collect Week’ from 20th September. The event features a host of expert webinars and behind the scenes content – all of which is free and can be streamed from home.
