Posts Tagged ‘numismatics’
Sir Isaac Newton 50p becomes EVEN MORE collectible
The Sir Isaac Newton 50p is one of the most popular 50ps in circulation. Shortly after it was issued in 2017, it ranked as the second rarest 50p in circulation after the Kew Gardens 50p, with a mintage figure of just 1.8 million.
Due to its huge popularity, the following year The Royal Mint announced that collectors would be able to strike their own 2018 dated Sir Isaac Newton 50p at The Royal Mint Experience. The 2018 dated coin became one of the rarest 50ps, as the only way to get one was to strike your own.
What makes this 50p so popular?
The coin’s incredibly detailed reverse design by Aaron West is based on elements of Propsition 11, in Book One of Newton’s Principia Mathematica. It also pays tribute to the legacy of Sir Isaac Newton, a genius of the Scientific Revolution and one of the most famous figures to ever hold the role of Master of the Mint.
Change Checkers even voted the 2017 Sir Isaac Newton 50p as their all time favourite Queen Elizabeth II circulating 50p in a poll last year.
An interesting error
As if this coin’s incredible popularity, intricate design and low mintage figure weren’t enough to make it extremely collectible, there’s something else you should look out for...
Several collectors have reported finding an error on their 2017 Sir Isaac Newton 50p. The reverse design looks normal, however the obverse appears to have several extra lines across Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait.
Credit: @The50pC on Twitter
This is thought to be an error caused during the striking process, a result of what is known as a die clash. Interestingly, the extra lines aren’t grooves scratched into the surface of the coin, but rather ‘whiskers’ standing slightly proud of the surface.
How rare is it?
Although we don’t know for sure how many of these error coins are in circulation, they’re thought to be extremely rare. They’ve even been listed on the secondary market for more than 100 times face value!
Always make sure you’re careful buying coins on the secondary market to avoid being overcharged.
Have you ever found an error coin in your change? Or perhaps you have this one? Let us know in the comments below!
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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.
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.
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.
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!
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Demand for King Charles III Coins reaches across the pond
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 Queen Elizabeth II, but wanting to be the first to own new coins bearing King Charles III’s effigy.
But UK collectors aren’t the only ones wanting to collect new King Charles III coins…
A recent survey carried out by The Royal Mint revealed that coin collectors in the United States are interested in collecting new UK commemorative coins. Coin collectors in the US said their attitude to UK coins is changing as a new British monarch takes to the throne.
The figures
- 21% of US coin collectors said they see the start of King Charles III’s reign as an opportunity to begin collecting UK commemorative coins.
- 44% of US coin collectors already purchase UK commemorative coins.
- 54% of US collectors of UK commemorative coins say they plan to increase their UK commemorative coin spend in 2023.
- 76% of US collectors of UK commemorative coins have a positive view of King Charles III. This rose to 81% among a younger audience.
The Head of International Marketing at The Royal Mint, Josh Nesfield, said: “This new research shows growing appetite among US collectors for UK commemorative coins and how the change in UK monarchy is creating new coin interests for US Coin Collector. For years, The Royal Mint has supported US coin collectors as they build their UK commemorative coin collections. We are delighted that more collectors plan to start building their UK coin collections.”
What does this mean for UK collectors?
This encouraging research highlights a continued appetite for UK coins among US numismatists, with it undeniably increasing in line with the new monarchy. The increasing excitement among US collectors means that demand for new UK coins will be at an all time high, especially during the lead up to King Charles III’s coronation.
Considering this, collectors will want to act fast to make sure they don’t miss out on owning these significant issues. Especially as demand is sure to increase in years to come.
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