A new 50p coin celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee is being launched at Post Office branches from today.
The new coin marks 70 years since Her Majesty took the throne.
From Monday, February 7, around 1.3 million of the coins, designed by Osborne Ross, will be made available on “limited release” at selected UK post offices, with branches in Windsor and close to Sandringham among the first to receive it.
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In a further nod to the celebrations, the maximum number of coins to be minted has been fixed at 5,000,070.
But how do you know if you have one of the special coins - and how rare are they?
What does the new 50p Jubilee coin look like?
Two coins versions of the 50p coin are being released, and one is special as it does not feature the traditional 'heads and tails' sides.
Every 50p during the Queen's reign has had her iconic side portrait on one side - except this one.
Instead, the picture depicts the Queen on horseback, and has been drawn by coin artist John Bergdahl.
The other side of the coin features the number 70 with the Royal Cypher and the dates of Her Majesty’s reign framed inside the zero.
This version of the coin will not enter circulation, according to the Royal Mint, but one with the special '70' design and the usual portrait of the Queen on the other side will.
How rare is the new 50p?
The new coin is the first 50p ever made to mark a royal event.
Colin Bellamy, who runs the Coin Hunter website, told The Mirror the coin will not be "super rare" but is likely to be worth more than 50p for a short time period.
"It will be collectable and command a value more than face for a few weeks," he explained.
"As more people find them in circulation, it is likely that they will become a face value coin long term – as I expect the maximum of 5,000,070 will be struck for circulation."
The Royal Mint’s Director of UK Currency Mark Loveridge said it is expected to become "one of the nation’s most collectable coins".
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 today.
“Postmasters are at the heart of their local communities and have been throughout our 360-year history. I have no doubt that this will be a real honour and privilege for Postmasters and their teams.”
Where can you buy the new coin?
The collectable version of the coin, featuring the horseback portrait, can be bought online.
Versions of the new 50p are available from the Westminster Collection, at a cost of £4.50, plus £2.99 postage, and from the Royal Mint at a cost of £7.
The Royal Mint is also selling more expensive versions of the coin subject to availability.
Silver versions of the 50p are priced from £57.50, depending on weight, while gold versions have been on sale for £1,095 and £2,185.
