What’s the Roger Bannister 50p worth?
Based on our research, the 2014 Roger Bannister 50p coin value to a coin collector is:
| Coin Variant | Collector Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated : Mintage: 9,032,500 Scarcity = Very Common | £0.50 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (Royal Mint Pack) : Mintage: 24,762 | £7.50 |
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Watchers: 1 Current Bid: £1.70
Watchers: 1 Current Bid: £1.60
Watchers: 11 Current Bid: £2.25
Watchers: N/A Current Bid: £1.77
Watchers: 1 Current Bid: £1.55
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Description
50th Anniversary of the first four-minute mile by Roger Bannister
The legs of a running athlete with a styalised stopwatch in the background (with the time stopped at just before 4 minutes) and the value 50 PENCE below. Often referred to as the
50p with running legs
Roger Bannister Fifty Pence Coin Design
How much is the Roger Bannister 50p worth?
The Roger Bannister 50p is worth face value (50p), however 50p collectors often pay more online to add one to their coin collections. We have seen sold listings on eBay in the range of £1 to £2 for this coin. Brilliant Uncirculated coins will sell for more. This coin was also re-released to celebrate 50 years of the 50p by The Royal Mint in the UK.
How many Roger Bannister 50p coins were made?
Just over 9 million Roger Bannister 50p coins were made and put into UK coin circulation, so your chance of finding one in your pocket change is quite common.
As the coin was first released in 2004, less will be still circulating as they either become worn out or held in private coin collections.
Roger Bannister 50p Coin Specifications | |
| Issued | 2004 |
| Diameter | 27.30mm |
| Weight | 8.00g |
| Thickness | 1.78mm |
| Composition | Cupro-nickel(75% copper, 25% nickel) |
| Obverse Designers | Portrait of Her Majesty the Queen – Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS |
| Reverse Designer | James Butler |
| Edge | Plain |
| Circulating Mintage | 9,032,500 |
The Roger Bannister 50p coin was issued by the Royal Mint in the United Kingdom in 2004 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of one of the most celebrated achievements in British sporting history: Roger Bannister breaking the four-minute mile.
On May 6, 1954, at the Iffley Road Track in Oxford, Bannister completed a mile run in 3 minutes 59.4 seconds, a feat that had been considered impossible by many at the time. This achievement not only marked a significant milestone in athletic performance but also symbolized the potential of human endurance and determination.
Design and Features
The coin features a design that captures the essence of Bannister’s historic run. The reverse side of the coin, designed by James Butler, depicts a stylized figure of an athlete, capturing the moment of crossing the finish line, with the time “3:59.4” prominently displayed to commemorate Bannister’s record-breaking time.
The design conveys a sense of motion and achievement, celebrating not just a moment in sports but a landmark event in human history.
The obverse of the coin, like all UK coins issued in that period, features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley.
Specifications
- Denomination: 50 pence
- Alloy: Cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel)
- Weight: 8 grams
- Diameter: 27.3 mm
- Shape: Heptagonal (7-sided)
Collectibility and Significance
The Roger Bannister 50p coin is sought after by collectors, especially those interested in British sports history or significant cultural milestones. Its issuance commemorates not only Bannister’s physical achievement but also the enduring spirit of perseverance and breaking barriers. The coin serves as a reminder of a moment when the impossible was made possible, inspiring future generations to push beyond perceived limits.
As with many commemorative coins, its value to collectors can vary based on factors such as condition (circulated vs. uncirculated), demand, and rarity. While it holds a face value of 50 pence, its collectible value can be higher, depending on these factors.
Conclusion
The Roger Bannister 50p coin is more than just currency; it’s a piece of history that celebrates human achievement, determination, and the breaking of one of the most iconic barriers in sports. It remains a cherished item among numismatists and sports enthusiasts alike, symbolizing the spirit of overcoming challenges and achieving the extraordinary.
Who is Roger Bannister?
Roger Bannister, an English neurologist and middle-distance athlete, made history by running the first sub-4-minute mile on May 6, 1954, at the Iffley Road track in Oxford.
This monumental achievement came after Bannister finished fourth in the 1500 meters at the 1952 Olympics, which fueled his determination to break the four-minute barrier.
With the help of pacemakers Chris Chataway and Chris Brasher, Bannister completed the mile in 3 minutes and 59.4 seconds, a record that stood for just 46 days before being surpassed by John Landy. Despite this, Bannister’s feat remains a significant milestone in athletic history.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Bannister had a distinguished medical career and expressed that he took greater pride in his contributions to academic medicine than in breaking the four-minute mile.
| Full name | Roger Gilbert Bannister |
|---|---|
| Born | 23 March 1929 Harrow, England[1] |
| Died | 3 March 2018 (aged 88) Oxford, England |
For more detailed information, you can visit the Wikipedia page on Roger Bannister.
