A coin collector recently made a tidy profit by selling a rare Olympic triathlon 50p coin for a remarkable £12 on eBay—24 times its face value. This sale highlights the growing market for rare and limited-edition coins, especially those related to significant events like the London 2012 Olympics. The coin, part of a set issued by The Royal Mint in 2011, has garnered attention among collectors due to its limited mintage.
The Olympic Triathlon 50p Coin: A Limited Edition
This Article Includes
In 2011, The Royal Mint released a series of 29 different 50p coins to celebrate the London Olympics. Each coin in the set represented a different sport, with the triathlon coin featuring a design that captures the essence of this challenging event. However, with only 1,163,500 of these coins released into circulation, the triathlon design became one of the rarer Olympic-themed 50p coins.
As the number of coins in circulation diminishes and many are snapped up by collectors, their value tends to rise. The Olympic triathlon 50p coin, originally issued for just 50p, sold for £12—proving that rarity and demand can significantly increase a coin’s market value.
The Coin Collector’s Profit
The seller, from Evesham in Worcestershire, struck gold by selling the Olympic triathlon coin for £12, making a substantial profit on what would have originally cost just 50p. In addition to the sale price, the buyer had to pay £1.55 for postage, which further increased the total transaction cost. This sale serves as a reminder that many 50p coins, especially those with low mintage figures, can be worth much more than their face value.
The Rarest 50p Coins in Circulation
The Olympic triathlon 50p coin is not the only one in the 50p series that has piqued the interest of collectors. Some of the rarest 50p coins in circulation today include:
- 2009 Kew Gardens 50p: With only 210,000 in circulation, this coin remains one of the most sought-after in the 50p series.
- 2011 Olympic Wrestling 50p: Limited to 1,129,500 coins, it is another Olympic design with a relatively low mintage.
- 2011 Olympic Football 50p: There are 1,161,500 of these coins, making them a rare find for collectors.
- 2011 Olympic Judo 50p: With a mintage of 1,161,500, this coin is another highly coveted design from the Olympic set.
- 2011 Olympic Triathlon 50p: As mentioned, there are 1,163,500 of these coins in circulation, which contributes to its value.
- 2018 Peter Rabbit 50p: Featuring the beloved character from Beatrix Potter’s tales, this coin has a mintage of 1,400,000.
- 2018 Flopsy Bunny 50p: Another Beatrix Potter character, with a mintage of 1,400,000.
- 2011 Olympic Tennis 50p: With 1,454,000 coins issued, this design is one of the more common in the Olympic set, though still valuable.
- 2011 Olympic Goalball 50p: A total of 1,615,500 of these coins were minted.
- 2011 Olympic Shooting 50p: The rarest of the Olympic set with 1,656,500 coins in circulation.
The Market for Rare 50p Coins
As more collectors seek out these limited-edition coins, the market for rare 50p pieces continues to grow. Coins like the Olympic triathlon 50p have become a popular item for investors, collectors, and those simply interested in unique and historical pieces of currency. The demand for these coins is expected to remain strong, especially as fewer are available in circulation and more people realize their potential value.
Conclusion: Why Rarity Matters
This recent sale of the Olympic triathlon 50p coin for £12 underscores the significance of mintage numbers in determining a coin’s worth. Coins with low mintage figures—especially those with historical or cultural importance, like the Olympic coins—can become highly prized collectibles. Whether you are a seasoned numismatist or a newcomer to the hobby, it’s clear that rare coins can provide valuable opportunities for profit.
For collectors, keeping an eye on limited-edition coins, such as the 50p Olympic series, could lead to a rewarding venture into the world of rare coin investments.
