Have you ever checked the coins in your wallet or purse and wondered if they might be worth more than their face value? If you’ve got a special 50p coin from the London 2012 Olympics, you could be in luck!
Uncovering rare coins in your change
While most coins are worth just what they say, some rare coins can fetch a much higher price. Collecting commemorative coins can be exciting, especially when you realise how valuable some of them can be.
The London 2012 Olympics coin collection
Back in 2011, to celebrate the upcoming London 2012 Olympics, the Royal Mint released a series of 29 special 50p coins.
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Claim sign-up bonusEach one highlighted a different sport, and they’ve become quite the collector’s item since then. For example, the football-themed 50p coin has previously sold for up to £125!
The Table Tennis 50p coin
One of these coins, the Table Tennis 50p, has caught the attention of coin enthusiasts.
According to TikTok user @CoinCollectingWizard, nearly 1.2 million of these coins were minted in 2011 and put into circulation.
The coin shows two players in action and is a nod to table tennis, which became an Olympic sport at the Seoul 1988 Games.
@coincollectingwizard Valuable 50ps you can find in your change!! #rarecoins #50p #tabletennis #olympics50p #coincollecting #ukcoinhunt ♬ original sound – CoinCollectingWizard🧙🏻♂️
How much is it worth?
If you find this Table Tennis 50p in your change, it could be worth around £2 if it’s a bit worn from circulation, and up to £5 if it’s in mint condition.
Not a bad return for something you might find lying around the house!
The story behind the designs
All the 50p designs for the London 2012 Olympics were chosen from a public competition in 2009.
The Table Tennis design alone had 30,000 entries, showing just how popular these coins were from the start.
Top tips for coin collecting
- Start with your change: Check the coins you already have at home. Look for unusual designs or commemorative coins. This is an easy way to start without spending money.
- Learn the basics: Use online resources or books to understand different types of coins and their values. Websites like the Royal Mint and coin collector forums can be very helpful.
- Join a community: Connect with other coin collectors online or in local clubs. They can give valuable advice, share their experiences, and help you learn more about your finds.
- Proper storage: Store your coins in a cool, dry place. Use coin albums, holders, or cases to keep them safe and in good condition. Avoid storing them in places with high humidity to prevent tarnishing.
Have you got one?
Do you have any of these Olympic 50p coins in your change?
If you do, it might be worth checking out their value. Who knows, you might have a hidden gem in your pocket!
Next time you get some change, take a closer look. That small piece of metal might just be a rare and valuable coin waiting to be discovered!
