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A rare 50p coin has fetched more than 300 times its face value after an online auction.
The London 2012 Olympic Games Blue Peter piece drew 15 bids on eBay before being snapped up for £160.
Released by the Royal Mint in 2009, only 19,722 copies of the coin were produced.
The edition marks the London 2012 Olympic Games and was the first of the 29 official Olympic 50p designs released.
Blue Peter 50p (Image: PA)
Its reverse features an athlete leaping over a high jump bar, designed by nine-year-old Blue Peter competition winner Florence Jackson, alongside the definitive fourth portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley on the obverse.
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 the commemorative presentation packs make surviving examples particularly elusive for collectors.
Five Incredibly Rare and Valuable British Coins
What makes a coin valuable?
The 50p piece provides a distinct heptagonal canvas for coin designers.
With a diameter of 27.5mm, it is the largest British coin in circulation and offers space for commemorative artwork.
Rarity serves as 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.
Sales avenues can influence the price realised for a rare coin.
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.
Royal Mint top 10 most valuable 50p coins
Royal Mint mintage figures confirm the rarest 50p designs to enter general circulation:
- Atlantic Salmon (2023), 200,000
- Kew Gardens (2009), 210,000
- Olympic Wrestling (2011), 1,129,500
- Olympic Football (2011), 1,161,500
- Olympic Judo (2011), 1,161,500
- Olympic Triathlon (2011), 1,163,500
- Peter Rabbit (2018), 1,400,000
- Flopsy Bunny (2018), 1,400,000
- Olympic Tennis (2011), 1,454,000
- Olympic Goalball (2011), 1,615,500
The 2023 Atlantic Salmon coin holds the title as the rarest 50p design in circulation.
Anyone checking their loose change is urged to keep an eye out for these scarce editions.