NEW Mosaic of Canadian Icons Coins commemorate Her Late Majesty 

Can you find a connection between a polar bear, a moose and a hockey stick? 

They’re all Canadian icons of course! And they all feature on this brand new set of Canadian coins. 

Whilst Canadian collectors would normally be able to find these coins in their change, this year the Royal Canadian Mint has struck a limited number of sets for collectors only! Find out why below… 

2023 Mosaic of Canadian Icons Set
2023 Mosaic of Canadian Icons Set

Exclusive Canadian 50 Cent

This stunning 6 coin set of 2023 dated collector’s edition coins includes the circulating Canadian coin denominations such as the dollar, 25 cent and of course, the 50 cent. 

But, what’s really caught the eye of collectors is the fact the 50 cent has been issued with selective colour especially for this set. 

2023 Mosaic of Canadian Icons obverses and reverses
2023 Mosaic of Canadian Icons obverses and reverses

Featured on the 50 cent is a patriotic red and white mosaic of icons, forming the most famous Canadian emblem of the all – the maple leaf. Although each icon differs vastly, they all serve as true representations of the country.  

Just 30,000 sets available for collectors

Perhaps most interestingly, these coins are not set to enter circulation this year… 

The reason why?  

The coins in this set feature Queen Elizabeth II’s effigy on the obverse. The Royal Canadian Mint have announced that they will not issue any 2023 dated Queen Elizabeth II coins into circulation, meaning this set is a collector exclusive

In fact, just 30,000 sets have been issued worldwide, including a double-dated obverse to commemorate the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II. 

As well as featuring Her Late Majesty’s portrait, these coins also include four pearls symbolising the four Queen Elizabeth II effigies that have graced Canadian coins.  

2023 Mosaic of Canadian Icons Set in packaging
2023 Mosaic of Canadian Icons Set in packaging

International demand for QEII coins on the rise

We’ve recently seen an increase in international demand for coins featuring Queen Elizabeth II, with collectors worldwide rushing to secure commemorative keepsakes.  

Canada 2023 Collector’s Coin Set

Earlier this year, The Royal Canadian Mint issued a limited edition collector’s set marking the end of Queen Elizabeth II’s circulating coinage.  

Find out more >>

Canada 2023 Collector's coin set

2022 Canadian Queen Elizabeth II $2

2022 Canadian Queen Elizabeth II $2

To honour their Head of State for the past 7 decades, the Royal Canadian Mint issued a new $2 coin – their first ever circulation coin to feature a black nickel design! It was even available in a special collectible wrap roll containing 25 of the unique coins. 

Find out more >>

As you can imagine, this latest set featuring a mosaic of Canadian icons is sure to be popular among both UK and international collectors.  

Will you be adding this set to your collection? 


Secure your 2023 Mosaic of Canadian Icons Coin Set

Only 30,000 of these sets are available worldwide, and we’ve managed to secure an initial allocation of just 250 for Change Checkers, so don’t miss out! Secure yours here >> 

Your guide to collecting King Charles III coins

Since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, there’s been a huge shake up in the numismatic world. Not only have collectors been rushing to secure the very last coins featuring the late Queen, but wanting to be the first to own new coins bearing King Charles III’s effigy.

Here are some tips to guide you in building your King Charles III coin collection.

1. Use cash

It may seem obvious, but the best way to increase your chances of finding a King Charles coin in your change is to use cash. And where possible, ask for your change to be given in the denominations you’re interested in.

UK coins
UK coins

For example, if you’re looking for the Queen Elizabeth Memorial 50p, which is the first coin to enter circulation featuring the King on the obverse, ask for your change in 50ps.

2. Look closely

Make sure you’re looking closely at the coins in your change to check whether you have a commemorative coin, especially one featuring His Majesty.

50p with Queen Elizabeth II effigy and 50p with King Charles III effigy
50p with Queen Elizabeth II effigy and 50p with King Charles III effigy

The most obvious difference will be the effigy on the obverse of the coin. But it’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the reverse designs of commemorative coin so you know what you’re looking out for.

3. Do your research

The best way to identify coins you’ve found in your change is by using our Change Checker Web App.

Simply select the denomination, year and obverse monarch of the coin you’ve found to view all the possible coins it could be. You’ll find information like mintage figures and facts about the theme or designer.

Screenshot of King Charles coins on the Change Checker Web App
Screenshot of King Charles III 50p coins on the Change Checker Web App

You can also find much more information about your coin on our blog.

4. Check our scarcity index

Something else you’ll find on our web app is where each coin ranks on our scarcity index.

We combine mintage figures with how often a coin has been listed in collections to determine how scarce and sought after each coin is. Our scarcity index is updated quarterly as there can be some pretty big shake ups in the rankings.

5. Swap with others

If you’re looking for a specific coin and aren’t having any luck finding it in your change, you can use the swap centre on our web app or our Facebook community group to swap coins with other collectors.

Who knows, someone else might just have the coin you’re looking for!

Happy Hunting!

So there you have it, 5 tips you can use to start collecting King Charles III coins!

You may already have an impressive collection including some new King Charles coins. If so, post a photo of yours on social media and tag us, we’d love to see them!

Receive new UK coins without the hassle of placing orders on the day of release!

The Top 5 50p Coin Series and why you should be collecting them

Since the 50p coin was first introduced back in 1969, we’ve seen it change size, weight and obverse monarch. It’s become the go-to denomination for some fantastic series, but which 50p series are the most popular?

Here are Change Checker’s top 5 50p coin series that you need in your collection.

5. Paddington 50ps

Starting with Britain’s best loved bear, Paddington. This 50p series began in 2018 with the issue of two brand new coins entering circulation. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of Paddington’s first book appearance, these two coins show Paddington outside Buckingham Palace and at Paddington Station.

2018 Paddington at the Palace 50p and 2018 Paddington at the Station 50p
2018 Paddington at the Palace 50p and 2018 Paddington at the Station 50p

The series was so popular that in 2019, a further two Paddington 50ps were issued. This time showing the marmalade loving bear tucking into his favourite snack outside the Tower of London and tipping his hat at St Paul’s Cathedral.

2019 Paddington at the Tower of London and 2019 Paddington at St Paul's Cathedral 50p
2019 Paddington at the Tower of London and 2019 Paddington at St Paul’s Cathedral 50p

These coins are some of the most popular issues in the last five years and with designs as charming as this, you can understand why.

4. Winnie the Pooh 50ps

Next up, we’ve got another adorable bear, Winnie the Pooh, who first appeared on a UK 50p in 2020. This was the first 50p in a nine coin series celebrating 95 years of fun filled adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood.

Complete Winnie the Pooh 50p Series
Complete Winnie the Pooh 50p Series

These coins feature famous characters from the stories, such as Owl, Kanga & Roo, Piglet and Pooh himself. Despite not entering circulation, these coins have been in high demand, with some limited edition presentations selling out at The Royal Mint within just hours of release. But don’t worry if you missed out, you can browse Change Checker’s remaining Winnie the Pooh stock here >>

2022 Winnie the Pooh and Friends 50p, 2022 Kanga & Roo 50p and 2021 Owl 50p
2022 Winnie the Pooh and Friends 50p, 2022 Kanga & Roo 50p and 2021 Owl 50p

3. Innovation in Science Series

Now, cast your mind back to 2019 when The Royal Mint released the first coin their Innovation in Science Series, the Stephen Hawking 50p. It was a record breaking sell out success, with worldwide interest and news articles across the globe about this new coin.

2019 Stephen Hawking 50p
2019 Stephen Hawking 50p

The Stephen Hawking 50p was so popular that even her late majesty Queen Elizabeth II commented that it was one of her favourite coin designs.

It kick started a hugely popular coin series which later brought us the Insulin 50p, Alan Turing 50p, and Rosalind Franklin 50p, to name just a few.

2022 Alan Turing 50p

2. Beatrix Potter 50ps

In second place, we’ve got the incredibly popular Beatrix Potter 50ps. The first 50p, issued in 2016, featuring a charming design of Peter Rabbit inspired a whole new generation of collectors, appealing to children, their parents and grandparents.

Beatrix Potter 50ps
Beatrix Potter 50ps

The 2018 Flopsy Bunny and Peter Rabbit 50ps each had mintage figures of only 1.4 million, making them some of the rarest 50ps in circulation. The Beatrix Potter coins are some of the most collectable 50ps, so whichever ones you have in your collection, you should be very pleased.

2018 Flopsy Bunny 50ps and 2018 Peter Rabbit 50p
2018 Flopsy Bunny 50ps and 2018 Peter Rabbit 50p

1. 2012 Olympic 50ps

In the top spot, the most popular 50p series of all time is the 2012 Olympic 50ps. This series was issued to celebrate the games being hosted in London in 2012. All 29 of the 2012 Olympic 50ps entered circulation, and they’re some of the rarest 50ps out there.

2012 Olympic 50ps
2012 Olympic 50ps

The football 50p, which features a design of the hotly debated offside rule, has a circulating mintage of just 1.125 million. This makes it the second rarest 50p currently in circulation.

2012 Olympic Football 50p
2012 Olympic Football 50p

Five years ago, it was estimated that over 75% of the Olympic 50p coins were removed from circulation into private collections, meaning even less are now out there to find.

Are you lucky enough to have any of these popular 50ps in your collection? Let us know in the comments!

Guarantee all new UK coins for you collection

Join the Change Checker UK CERTIFIED BU Subscription Service and receive the very latest UK coins sent to you door without the hassle of placing orders on the day of release!

Click here to sign up today, completely for free >>