As well as looking out for the condition of your coin, keep an eye out for additional extras.

‘Brilliant uncirculated' (also referred to as BU) condition means that the coins have been finished to a finer standard than those put out for circulation. Some may even come in sealed bags, having never been handled at all. Uncirculated coins come straight from the Royal Mint and have usually only been handled by collectors. Circulated coins will have been used as money, and as such may have scuff, bumps and other imperfections. Coin ConditionĬoins may be advertised as circulated or uncirculated. A number of the coins have been produced in colour for an even more special finish. The design is a lovely close-up of that beloved face, with clearly visible whisker details and his bushy tail in all its glory before his encounter with Old Brown. This captivating character is showcased on the series of Squirrel Nutkin 50p coins, designed by Emma Noble. The mischievous Squirrel Nutkin is one of the most popular. These are still circulation quality coins - but may keep more of the orginal shine and have a few less contact marks, which can make them more desirable to collectors.Ĭoins not in sealed bags or held in a collection out of the 5,000,000 Squirrel Nutkin 50p coins struck will have now been in circulation for 7 years.To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of one of Britain's best-loved authors, Beatrix Potter, the Royal Mint launched a collection of commemorative coins featuring her storybook characters. Some coins made for circulation remain 'Uncirculated' as they have been kept in or taken from the original sealed coin bag they were packed in after being sent out from The Royal Mint.

These are coins produced to a higher standard that show more detail and have none of the marks and scratches that will be seen on all circulation quality coins. All 50p coins have also been available to buy in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) quality. Prices shown on this page relate to coins created for circulation. A Squirrel Nutkin 50p coin in good circulated condition (A few small contact marks on the coin, but retains some original shine and most of the original design detail.) will be worth more than a worn down battered coin. The value of a coin is always related to the condition.

Nutkin the squirrel