Rare 50p coin could be in your pocket – and it's worth hundreds of pounds if found

Your potentially valuable coin collection may be more lucrative than you realise.

Indeed, certain pieces can change hands for considerable amounts depending on their circulation status and mintage. In the UK, the Royal Mint often releases most coins, and this latest discovery isn't an exception.

The Kew Gardens 50p coin, released as a limited edition with only 210,000 in circulation, is highly sought after by collectors. It was introduced in 2009 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of London's iconic Royal Botanic Gardens.

It's a desirable piece that most coin collectors yearn to add to their collections. Notably, TikTok user @CoinCollectingWizard, who boasts over 143,000 followers, referred to the Kew Gardens design as the "rarest" 50p coin in a recent video post.

He claimed: "The Kew Gardens 50p hit the headlines in February 2014 when it was revealed as the most scarce 50p in circulation. At the peak of the hype surrounding its value, some coins were exchanging hands for hundreds of pounds.

"This coin was reissued in 2019 as part of the 50th anniversary of the 50p celebrations, the 2019 version of this coin was a commemorative issue and did not enter general circulation. A circulated version of the 2009 Kew Gardens 50p can easily sell for £150 today, a graded uncirculated version can sell for double this."

"Just 210,000 Kew Gardens were minted for circulation in 2009 and has become the holy grail of UK coin hunting. So next time you are at the shop, make sure you ask for 50p coins in your change as you just never know when this ultra rare 50p might crop up."

Since the video was shared, the post racked up over hundreds of likes and dozens of comments. One said: "Got this one!" While another added: "I have 2x 2009, took me 20 years to find them!"

According to the user, he exclusively revealed how to spot a real or fake copy of the Kew Gardens coin. He explained: "If you look under the Queen's neck there are letters IRB which is the designer's initials. If it says IRB copy then it's fake. The other way is always on the Queen's side. No detail in the Queen's hair and crown.

"Best place to find Kew Gardens is trying to get bags of 50ps from your Post Office or bank as you have a higher chance of finding one if you are looking through lots. It's the gold proof version that originally sold for around £700 and recently £6,000 at auction."