- When first released in 2009, the Kew Gardens 50p Brilliant Uncirculated Coin pack was available for only £6.99
- Today this sells for hundreds of pounds! (£225 at last check)
- Expect to pay over £140 to £200 for a circulated Kew coin.
- The 2009 50p coin celebrates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew
Description
Kew Gardens 50p BUNC
The Kew Gardens 50p Brilliant Uncirculated coin set is one of the most sought-after BUNC coins by UK coin collectors.
If you are looking to purchase this coin, please check directly with the coin seller if they are offering for sale a genuine 2009 coin in BU or the 2019 reissue or an unofficial copy Kew coin (fake / souvenir / filler coin). If the auction listing says “READ” in the title, check the Item description for the words “COPY” or “FILLER” – it means it is not a genuine coin.
On the Queen’s head side of the coin, look for the words “IRB COPY” (instead of the genuine “IRB” ). If the word “COPY” is there, then it is not a real coin.
Also be aware that The Royal Mint re-released this coin design in 2019 as part of the 50 Years of the 50p coin celebration. This added more confusion for UK coin collectors in the resale market.
The Kew Gardens issue from 2009 holds great significance as it commemorates the 250th anniversary of the foundation of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.
Designed by Christopher Le Brun RA, this commemorative 50p coin showcases the Chinese Pagoda, surrounded by the notable dates 1759 and 2009. The choice of the Pagoda as the centerpiece for the reverse design of the coin is inspired by its architectural prominence at Kew Gardens.
This coin is struck in cupro-nickel, a durable and commonly used alloy, ensuring its longevity. The coin’s design captures the rich history of the Gardens and the architectural beauty found at Kew. While the Kew Gardens 50p coin is highly sought-after by collectors, it is important to note that its significance goes beyond its desirability.
It serves as a tribute to the 250 years of botanical excellence and cultural heritage represented by Kew Gardens. The Kew Gardens issue was released as a limited edition commemorative strike, making it a prized possession for collectors.
In contrast to the millions of circulating 50p coins, this particular strike is strictly limited to just 210,000. Its exclusivity and rarity enhance its appeal and make it a unique piece to acquire.
Overall, the Kew Gardens issue from 2009 holds immense significance, celebrating the historic milestone of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew through its meticulous design, limited availability, and its enduring tribute to the botanical legacy of Great Britain.
2019 Kew Gardens 50p Obverse
The 2019 Kew Gardens 50p coin has the “2019” date on the Queen’s side. The original 2009 coin, has no date on the obverse (see below).
2009 Coin Obverse
No date on the Queen’s side.
Kew Gardens 50p BU Packaging
Struck in cupro-nickel and designed by Christopher Le Brun RA, the Kew Gardens commemorative 50p coin celebrates the 250th anniversary of the foundation of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.
It features the Chinese Pagoda surrounded by the dates 1759 and 2009. The colourful pack tells the rich history of the Gardens and the architecture at Kew as well as the inspiration behind choosing the famous Pagoda as the centerpiece for the reverse design of the coin.
2009 Kew Gardens 50p BUNC Coin Pack Booklet
BUNC Coin Specification
| Denomination | 50P |
|---|---|
| Alloy | Cupro-nickel |
| Weight | 8g |
| Diameter | 27.3 mm |
| Designer (Reverse) | Christopher Le Brun RA |
| Designer (Obverse) | Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS |
| Edge Inscription | None |
How many coin packs were made?
Only 50,000 coin packs were to be made available worldwide.
Beautifully presented this beautiful 50p coin pack the coin features on the obverse the Queen’s portrait by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS and the wording ELIZABETH II-D-G-REG-F-G as well as the denomination FIFTY PENCE.
Only 210,000 Kew 50ps were put into UK coin circulation, making it the most sought-after coin by British coin collectors. Genuine examples regularly sell on eBay for in excess of £150, with no sign of the popularity or demand for this coin, it keep setting new highs.
How much is the 2009 Kew Gardens 50p BUNC worth?
A genuine 2009 BUNC coin pack, in sealed (un-opened) condition is currently selling on eBay for around £400
What is Kew Gardens?
Kew Gardens is the common name but it’s officially called The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, near London, England.
In 1759 Princess Augusta devoted a few acres of her gardens at Kew to a ‘Physic Garden’ where rare and unusual plants were cultivated for study. It was the beginning of Kew’s destiny as a world leader in plant science.
The gardens were originally two royal Estates; the Kew Estate and the Richmond Estate – but were combined by George III in the late eighteenth century. In the summer of 1771 the king met Joseph Banks who had just returned to England from a voyage with James Cook.
His collection of plants and animals and portfolios impressed the king and their mutual interest in agriculture led to Banks presiding over the Royal Society for 42 years. Through his patronage and many initiatives Banks elevated Kew to a garden of national status and as a centre for botanical exploration in the colonies.
In recognition of its historic landscape, listed buildings, Herbarium and Library collections and its achievements in plant conservation, UNESCO awarded it World Heritage status in 2003.
Additional information
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