A new 50p coin has been launched to mark 100 years of Grand Prix racing in Britain.
The Royal Mint unveiled the coin at Brooklands in Weybridge, Surrey, the site of Britain’s first Grand Prix held in August 1926.
It launches today (June 29) and is worth at least 30 times its face value.
Royal Mint releases new 50p to mark 100 years of British racing
Rebecca Morgan, director at The Royal Mint, said: “This coin is a true landmark for us.
“It is the first time in The Royal Mint’s history that motorsport has been celebrated on a UK coin, and we couldn’t be prouder to mark such a momentous centenary in this way.
“For 100 years, the Grand Prix in Britain has captured the nation’s imagination, from the thundering engines at Brooklands to the wheel-to-wheel battles at Silverstone.”
The coin’s design was created in collaboration with London-based agency Interstate and marks the first time motorsport has appeared on an official UK coin.
The reverse side features a 1926 Grand Prix car alongside a 2026 Formula 1 car, symbolising a century of technological progress in the sport.
Some versions of the coin also include colour.
Alex Patterson, chief executive of Brooklands Museum, said: “We are thrilled that The Royal Mint has chosen to celebrate this very special centenary celebration with Brooklands Museum.
“The 1926 race was a defining moment not just for Brooklands but for the development of international motor racing in the UK, and it is fitting that it is commemorated by this very special coin.”
The collectible 50p coin is worth at least 30 times its face value (Image: Matt Alexander/PA Media Assignments)
The gold edition has been produced using recycled gold from old jewellery and coins.
The Royal Mint said it aims to use recycled gold in all its collectable gold coins by the end of the year.
The coin launches at 9am on Monday, with prices starting from £15.
Visitors to The Royal Mint Experience can strike their own version of the coin between July 7 and August 2.
What makes a coin valuable?
The 50 pence piece has become the most valued and collected coin in the UK.
Its 27.5mm diameter makes it the largest of any British coin, and allows space for decorative pictures.
It has often been used to celebrate big events over the past 50 years of British history.
The rarest coins tend to be the most valuable, with mintage (the number of coins of each design made) being the primary attraction for collectors.
Along with the design, other aspects of the coin that increase its value are its condition and whether it has a design error.
The way in which it is sold can also determine the coin’s value.
Some coin collectors will bid vast amounts of money on eBay or at auction, whereas others opt for more robust valuations by selling via a coin dealer.
Recommended reading:
Royal Mint’s top 10 most valuable 50p coins
Here is a list of the top 10 most valuable coins, when they were made, and how many were minted:
- 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
Have you ever collected or found a rare coin? Let us know in the comments.
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