A Paddington Bear 50p coin has appeared on eBay with an eye-watering £10,000 price tag, sparking excitement among collectors. But before you start rummaging through your spare change, experts warn that this “rare” coin might not be as valuable as it seems.
The Paddington Bear 50p: What Makes It Special?
Released by the Royal Mint in 2018–2019, this commemorative coin celebrates 60 years of Paddington Bear. The design features:
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Paddington tipping his hat outside St. Paul’s Cathedral (one of four designs)
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Other versions include scenes at the Tower of London, Paddington Station, and Buckingham Palace
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Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait on the reverse
Over 9 million of these coins were minted, making them far from rare.
Why Is Someone Selling It for £10,000?
Despite its common circulation, an eBay seller in Woodbridge has listed the coin for £10,000. Similar listings have even reached £20,000–£30,000, but experts say these prices are wildly inflated.
What’s the Real Value?
According to The Westminster Collection, the Paddington 50p was one of the most popular coins of 2018—but that doesn’t make it rare.
CoinCollectingWizard, a rare coin expert, explains:
“Yes, people list these for thousands, but that doesn’t mean they sell. Check completed eBay sales—most go for face value (50p) or slightly more to collectors. Don’t fall for the hype!”
How to Spot Truly Valuable 50p Coins
While the Paddington coin is common, some limited-edition 50ps can be worth hundreds or even thousands, including:
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2009 Kew Gardens 50p (only 210,000 minted)
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2011 Olympic Wrestling 50p (rare in circulation)
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2018 Peter Rabbit 50p (low mintage variants)
For accurate valuations, check:
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eBay’s sold listings (filter by “Completed Sales”)
Should You Buy an Overpriced Paddington 50p?
Short answer: No.
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9 million were minted—it’s not rare.
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Listings ≠ sales—sellers can ask for any price, but actual sales are much lower.
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Check sold listings before believing inflated prices.
Final Verdict
While the Paddington 50p is a lovely collector’s item, it’s not a hidden treasure. If you find one in your change, enjoy it—but don’t expect to retire on the profits!
Have you found a Paddington 50p? Share your story below!
