New 50p coins released to mark 50th anniversary

A special set of coins has been released to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 50p piece.

The coins are a celebration of British cultural history and also honour the introduction of the seven-sided coin in 1969.

The set includes a 50p marking Kew Gardens's 250th anniversary, another commemorating Roger Bannister's world record sub-four-minute mile, a reissue of the previous 'new pence' 50p design and two coins celebrating the centenaries of the Scouts and Girl Guides.

The Kew Gardens coin is a collector's item because of its low mintage of just 210,000, making it the rarest 50p design in circulation.

When it was issued a decade ago, the coin marked the 250th anniversary of the founding of Kew Gardens and it features the Great Pagoda.

Nicola Howell, director of the consumer business at The Royal Mint, said: "Since the 50p entered UK circulation 50 years ago, the distinctive design has become a popular addition to the nation's pockets and wallets.

"Over the years, the commemorative editions that The Royal Mint has released to mark British cultural and historical highlights have also become incredibly popular sparking something of a collecting craze.

"We're delighted to be revealing the special 50p British Culture commemorative coin set to mark this historic anniversary, which features some of the nation's most loved 50 pence pieces."

The commemorative 50p set will be available to purchase from the Royal Mint's website with prices starting from £90.