A new fifty-pence piece will enter circulation next month to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – and it's already tipped to become the one of the most valuable coins in the UK.
The commemorative design has been personally approved by The Queen and 1.3million of them will enter the hands of the public at Post Office branches nationwide from Monday, February 7.
The maximum coin mintage is set at 5,000,070 coins – in a special nod to Queen Elizabeth's 70 years on the throne.
The 50p coin features a commemorative Platinum Jubilee design on the ‘tails’ side of the coin. It comes seven decades after Her Majesty’s accession to the throne in 1952.
The Royal Mint has already started to strike the coins at its secure site in South Wales, with a pressure of around 60 tonnes striking up to 850 coins a minute.
It is the first time that a Royal event has been celebrated on a 50p, Britain’s most collectable coin.
Designed by artists Osborne Ross, the coin features the number 70 with the Royal Cypher and the dates of Her Majesty’s reign framed inside the zero.
On the opposite side is the fifth definitive portrait of The Queen, by Jody Clark, which appears on all circulating UK coin.
The Royal Mint’s Director of UK Currency Mark Loveridge said: “Coins tell the story of our nation and we are delighted to be working with the Post Office to mark this special Royal occasion. By issuing the Platinum Jubilee coin into circulation it ensures that this significant moment in history can be cherished for generations to come.
“This special 50 pence features an elegant and bold number 70 in celebration of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee year, and we expect it to become one of the nation’s most collectable coins. We are delighted that 1.3 million coins baring this unique design will be accessible at Post Offices across the UK.”
Coin experts ChangeChecker said the new coin "could be the most sought-after 50p ever".
ChangeChecker spokesperson Alexandra Siddons said: "I’m sure you’ll agree that this coin is one of the most exciting issues we’ve ever seen."
Trusted by monarchs for 1,100 years, The Royal Mint has struck circulating coins for The Queen throughout her reign, including five definitive portraits of Her Majesty.
Nick Read, chief executive at the Post Office, said: “We are thrilled to be part of the celebrations for Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee year and that our 11,500 Post Offices across the whole of the United Kingdom will exclusively start the circulation of this special 50p coin from Monday 7th February. “
To be in with the chance of receiving the new 50p, a Post Office customer will need to purchase a product or service at the branch.
It will not be possible to swap a 50p coin for this special 50p coin at the Post Office counter.
Got a rare coin? See our guide on the most valuable UK coins, here.
