Current demand for your coins: Scarcity Index Update
UK Circulation Coin Scarcity Index Shows Shifts in Popularity
The latest update to the Change Checker Scarcity Index has revealed some intriguing movements among the UK's circulation coins. The index, which is updated quarterly, tracks the relative performance of the country's circulation coins based on mintage figures, collector demand, and availability.
One of the most significant changes has been seen in the 50p category. The Olympic Rowing 50p has made a notable leap of 16 places, indicating increased interest from collectors. The 2023 Salmon 50p has also climbed up 13 places since the last update, suggesting that this coin is becoming more sought after. However, the Ironside 50p has experienced a significant drop of 24 places, indicating a decrease in demand.
In the £2 category, the Trinity House £2 has climbed 6 places, while the Brunel Portrait £2 has dropped 9 places, showing a shift in collector preference. Notably, no new commemorative £2 coins have entered circulation since 2016.
The Scarcity Index for Round £1 coins can be found on the Change Checker website. Interestingly, the 2025 Bee £1 coin, with a mintage of 170,000, is currently the rarest UK pound coin in circulation, surpassing the rarity of the 2023 Salmon and Kew Gardens 50p coins.
The 10p Scarcity Index has remained unchanged since the A-Z of Great Britain 10ps issued in 2018 and 2019, as no new commemorative 10p coins have been released since then. The fluctuations in the 10p Scarcity Index are likely caused by a spike in the amount of swaps being listed on the Swap Centre.
It's important to note that while the Scarcity Index can provide a good indicator of a coin's rarity, it does not necessarily equate to value. A 6-point guide is available on the Change Checker website to help determine a more realistic value for coins.
For those interested in collecting coins without the hassle of placing orders on the day of release, the UK CERTIFIED BU Subscription Service offers a convenient solution.
Some other notable changes in the Scarcity Index include the Paddington at the Palace 50p going down 15 places, the Olympic Hockey 50p climbing 21 places, and the Shakespeare Histories £2 shooting up 6 places. Conversely, the Libraries 50p has climbed 25 places, while the Tom Kitten 50p has both gone down 15 places.
For the most accurate and detailed rankings, including specific positions for 50p, £2, and other coins, it's advisable to check the latest Scarcity Index update directly on the Change Checker website or other reliable coin collector resources.
The shifts in popularity reflected in the UK Circulation Coin Scarcity Index extend to various categories, such as finance, technology, and entertainment, as collectors' interests manifest in the movement of coins like the Olympic Rowing 50p and the Trinity House £2. On the other hand, lifestyle-themed coins such as the Ironside 50p and the Tom Kitten 50p have shown declining demand.
