Coin Collector

Beatrix Potter’s creature creations returned to 50p coins again in 2018 with Peter Rabbit once again getting top billing. This time we see Peter munching on radishes, with the text ‘PETER RABBIT’. Also released were coins showing Flopsy Bunny, another of Peter’s siblings; Mrs Tittlemouse; and The Tailor Of Gloucester. Collector notes Following the success of previous Beatrix Potter coins and the large volume of coins issued in 2017, it was expected that this set would have a high mintage too, and examples should be little more than face value. However, the mintage of 1.4 million for the Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny is relatively low, as is the 1.7 million for Mrs Tittlemouse, making these the coins to keep hold of. Royal Mint also produced a lovely collector folder for this set, so you can store the four coins safely. The folder is available from their website for £5 but doesn’t include the coins. Sticking with the children’s book theme, Michael Bond’s popular creation Paddington Bear appeared on two 50p coins in 2018, inspired in part by the release of the 2014 and 2017 live action films. In fact, the coins show a depiction of Paddington that’s more in keeping with the film than the original books. Collector notes Once again with mintage figures still under wraps, the number of these coins released into circulation is not clear. Make sure you keep up to date with the mintage info at the website: www.allaboutcoins.co.uk Mintage: 1,400,000 Approx. value: 50p - £1 2016 - Beatrix Potter Anniversary 2018 - Peter Rabbit Mintage: 5,901,000 Approx. value: £1 Mintage: 5,001,000 Approx. value: £1 2016 - Beatrix Potter Anniversary 2018 - addingto Mintage: 1,700,000 Approx. value: £1 Mintage: 1,400,000 Approx. value: £1 Mintage: 3,900,000 Approx. value: £1 Buyer beware! The value of any collectable is subjective and can vary depending on many different circumstances. In short, a coin is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it, and the large majority of 50p coins will be worth exactly what it states on the coin… 50p. Of course, the chance of finding a rare 50p in your change is what many of us dream of, but remember, the value is only one part of the story. Would a 50p worth £100 be life changing? Probably not. But starting a collection of coins can be an ongoing, challenging and ultimately very rewarding pastime, that can be shared and enjoyed with friends and family. By all means don’t give up on the idea of ‘coining it in’ with a rare coin or two, but remember sometimes the search is more satisfying than the discovery! Want to know about the 2012 Olympics 50p coins and the 50ps issued in 2019, 2020 and beyond? Find out more in every issue of Coin Collector magazine, available to download as a digital magazine or subscribe to in print, and by signing up to the allaboutcoins e-newsletter. More 50p info and advice at: www.allaboutcoins.co.uk Find out more