Public Libraries 50p worth
Based on our research, the current coin collector value for the 2000 Public Libraries 50p coin is:
Coin Variant | Collector Value |
---|---|
Circulated : Mintage: 11,263,000 Scarcity = Very Common | £1.00 |
Brilliant Uncirculated (Royal Mint Pack) : Mintage: 184,294 | £7.00 |
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Description
Public Libraries 50p Coins
Public Libraries 50p was issued in the year 2000 by The Royal Mint Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the 1850 Public Libraries Act.
It is commonly found with a mintage of over 11 million coins in circulation.
This coin number 4 in the Royal Mint The Great British Coin Hunt 50p Album – Volume 1
More about The Public Libraries 50p
How much is the public libraries 50p coin worth?
Public Libraries 50p value for a coin in circulated condition is 50p with the value to a 50p coin collector of a coin in great condition in the range of £1.25
Is the Public Libraries 50p a rare coin?
Public Libraries 50p was issued in the year 2000 and is a very common coin to find in your pocket change with over 11 million coins in general circulation.
The Public Libraries 50p coin, issued in 2000, commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Public Libraries Act 1850, which allowed municipalities in the UK to establish free public libraries for the first time. This coin is a tribute to the pivotal role public libraries have played in educational development and community enrichment across the United Kingdom.
Design and Features
- Obverse Design: The obverse of the coin, like all UK coinage, features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The portrait design has varied slightly over the years, reflecting changes made by the Royal Mint.
- Reverse Design: The reverse design of the Public Libraries 50p coin was created by Mary Milner Dickens. It features an intricate design that symbolically represents the opening of a book, with the words “PUBLIC LIBRARIES” and the dates “1850” and “2000” inscribed to mark the anniversary. The design also includes an inscription from Isaac Newton, “Standing on the shoulders of Giants,” highlighting the cumulative advancement of knowledge.
- Specifications: The coin has a heptagonal (seven-sided) shape, typical of the British 50p piece, with a diameter of 27.3mm and a weight of 8 grams. It was minted in a cupro-nickel alloy, consisting of 75% copper and 25% nickel.
Significance and Collectibility
The Public Libraries 50p coin is not just a piece of currency but also a collector’s item that celebrates a significant milestone in the history of public education and access to knowledge. The Public Libraries Act marked a turning point in making education and information accessible to the wider public, a principle that remains fundamental to the ethos of public libraries today.
Rarity and Value
While the Public Libraries 50p coin is considered collectible, it is not among the rarest of the commemorative 50p coins issued by the Royal Mint. Its value to collectors can vary significantly based on condition (circulated vs. uncirculated) and specific demand within the numismatic community. Circulated versions of the coin are relatively common and can be found in circulation, while uncirculated coins, especially those in original Royal Mint packaging, may command higher prices among collectors.
Conclusion
The Public Libraries 50p coin serves as a reminder of the importance of public libraries and the role they play in the democratization of knowledge. For collectors, it represents a piece of British history and a celebration of educational advancement. Whether for its historical significance or its collectible value, the Public Libraries 50p coin is a cherished piece for many.