Rare 2009 Olympic 50p coin sells for £156 on eBay

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 14:58 · Archive

A rare 2009 London 2012 Olympic Games 50p coin sold on eBay for £156.20, more than 310 times its face value.

A rare 50p coin has sold on eBay for £156.20 after an online auction attracted 26 bids. The coin commemorates the London 2012 Olympic Games and fetched more than 310 times its face value.

Released by the Royal Mint in 2009, only 19,722 copies of the coin were produced. It was the first of 29 official Olympic 50p designs released. The reverse features an athlete leaping over a high jump bar, designed by nine-year-old Blue Peter competition winner Florence Jackson. The obverse displays the definitive fourth portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley.

While more than two million standard versions entered circulation in 2011, the original 2009-dated issue remains one of the most sought-after modern British coins. Its low mintage and exclusive distribution through commemorative presentation packs make surviving examples particularly elusive for collectors.

Rarity is the primary factor driving collector demand and market prices. Low mintage figures mean fewer examples exist to buy or trade. Coin condition also plays an important role, with well-preserved specimens securing higher prices. Collectors also prize unusual design errors and striking flaws that escape the mint.

Sellers often turn to competitive online bidding on eBay to test market demand. Others prefer formal valuations from professional coin dealers to establish a certified market value. The 50p piece is the largest British coin in circulation, with a diameter of 27.5mm, providing a distinct heptagonal canvas for commemorative artwork.

How it is being reported

• Rare Royal Mint 50p coin selling on eBay for more than 300 times its face valueThe London 2012 Olympic Games Blue Peter piece drew 26 bids on eBay before being snapped up for £156.20.This Is Wiltshire · 23 Oct, 14:46
• Rare Royal Mint 50p coin selling on eBay for more than 300 times its face valueThe London 2012 Olympic Games Blue Peter piece drew 26 bids on eBay before being snapped up for £156.20.Wiltshire Times · 23 Oct, 14:46
• Rare Royal Mint 50p coin selling on eBay for more than 300 times its face valueThe London 2012 Olympic Games Blue Peter piece drew 26 bids on eBay before being snapped up for £156.20.Gazette & Herald · 23 Oct, 14:46
• Rare Royal Mint 50p coin selling on eBay for more than 300 times its face valueThe London 2012 Olympic Games Blue Peter piece drew 26 bids on eBay before being snapped up for £156.20.Swindon Advertiser · 23 Oct, 14:46

In this story: Royal Mint · Florence Jackson · Ian Rank-Broadley · Blue Peter · London · eBay

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