You may have a fortune in your pocket!

Why this 50p coin is so valuable

The Atlantic Salmon 50p was introduced to celebrate King Charles III and his commitment to nature conservation, featuring a portrait of the monarch by Martin Jennings.

According to collectors, recent eBay sales have fetched between £70 and £80 — roughly 160 times its face value — with some reports going higher depending on condition.

It is now said to be more sought-after than the famous 2009 Kew Gardens piece, of which 210,000 entered circulation.

The catch is in the detail.

Only versions dated 2023 without the small Tudor Crown privy mark found in annual collector sets are the truly rare pieces.

If yours carries that privy mark, it is the more common version from mint sets and typically worth far less than cash you could be owed elsewhere.

If yours does not have a Tudor Crown privy mark, it's worth £80, not the version sold in mint sets which is more common and typically worth less.

That explanation came from a coin expert on TikTok, who told followers the plain 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p is the one to look out for.

With around 200,000 thought to be in circulation, it is well worth checking your change before you spend it.