The status of your coins' demand: Review of Your Scarcity Index Update
In the latest Scarcity Index update by Change Checker, the rarest UK circulation coins in 2023 have been unveiled. The index provides a valuable insight into the scarcity of various coins in circulation, although it doesn't necessarily equate to their monetary value.
The 2023 Salmon 50p has taken the crown as the rarest UK 50p coin in circulation, with a mintage of 200,000. This coin has climbed up an impressive 13 places since the last Scarcity Index update.
The 2002 Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games £2 continues to hold its position as the rarest £2 coin, with a mintage of only 458,000. This coin has remained at the top of the £2 Scarcity Index.
Interestingly, no new £2 coins entered circulation in 2023, so the £2 scarcity rankings have largely remained stable except for some shifts. For instance, the Shakespeare Comedies £2 has risen 15 places in the index.
While not from 2023, the 2025 Bee £1 coin has since surpassed the Salmon 50p and the previously top-ranking Kew Gardens 50p in terms of rarity, as it was only minted in a limited run of 170,000.
In the 50p category, the Libraries 50p has climbed an impressive 25 places in the Scarcity Index, while the Paddington at the Palace and Tom Kitten 50ps have both dropped 15 places. The Olympic Rowing 50p has also gone up 16 places, and the Olympic Hockey 50p has climbed 21 places.
For those keen on collecting the latest UK new issue coins, it's advisable to join the UK CERTIFIED BU Subscription Service. This service ensures that you receive new UK coins sent to your door without the hassle of placing orders on the day of release.
The Scarcity Index will be updated quarterly to track the relative performance of the UK's circulation coins. For the final £1 Scarcity Index, you can find it here: Round £1 coins.
Meanwhile, the Technology £2 has the highest mintage of any UK circulation coin, with a figure of 416,145,838 across all issuing years. On the other hand, the Trinity House £2 has climbed 6 places in the Scarcity Index, while the Brunel Portrait £2 has dropped 9 places, and the Ironside 50p has fallen a whopping 24 places. The Kitchener First World War £2 has shot up 11 places in the £2 Scarcity Index, and the Shakespeare Histories £2 has risen 6 places.
In conclusion, the 2023 Salmon 50p and the 2002 Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games £2 are among the rarest established coins in 2023, with no new £2 commemoratives entering circulation that year. However, the 2025 Bee £1 coin has since surpassed these in rarity. Collectors should keep a close eye on the Scarcity Index updates to stay informed about the latest trends in coin scarcity.
Sports enthusiasts might be intrigued to learn about the rarity of certain UK coins, such as the 2023 Salmon 50p, which holds the title of the rarest UK 50p coin in circulation. Meanwhile, the 2002 Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games £2 remains the rarest £2 coin, having a mintage of only 458,000.
