Few British commemorative collections offer as much variety as this one, with 29 different sports-themed designs to discover. On this page, we examine the value of the Olympics 50p coins, from the easiest to find to the rarest and most valuable. Our guide also covers every Olympics 2011 50 pence, helping you identify each design and understand its collector value.
Value of each Olympics 2012 50 pence coin
Unlike standalone 50ps rare, these commemoratives were created as a connected set featuring 29 different sporting designs. However, collectors looking for every known version actually have 30 coins to find, as the Swimming design exists in two distinct variants, including an extremely rare original version.
The values shown in our tables apply to examples in good condition. Heavy wear, scratches or damage can significantly reduce their price, while well-preserved coins generally attract stronger demand. The Olympics 50p collection therefore offers everything from affordable pieces to one exceptionally difficult and valuable variant.
 | Image of each 50p ever minted Meaning of all 50 pence coins Stories about some mintages Value for each numismatic grade |
Archery: taking aim with the 50p Olympics
A drawn bow and arrow immediately evokes the precision and concentration required in Archery, where competitors must combine accuracy, control and consistency. It is one of the individual disciplines celebrated by the 50p Olympics programme.
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Athletics: running, jumping and throwing disciplines
A competitor clearing a bar captures the physical control and athletic ability required in Athletics. The scene focuses on one of the many events associated with this broad sporting discipline.
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Badminton: speed and precision on the court
Few sports are as closely associated with a single piece of equipment as Badminton and its distinctive shuttlecock. Matches combine rapid exchanges, agility and precision, whether played in singles or doubles.
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Basketball earns a place among the Olympic 50p coins
Played between two teams attempting to score through an elevated hoop, Basketball combines speed, coordination and tactical play. Its worldwide popularity has made it one of the most familiar team disciplines represented here.
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Boccia: a Paralympic test of precision
Precision rather than speed is central to Boccia, where players attempt to place their balls as close as possible to a target. It is one of the three Paralympic disciplines included in the Olympics 50p programme.
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Boxing: fighting for the medal
Speed, timing and tactical awareness are essential in Boxing, where competitors face opponents within the same weight category. The familiar gloves and ring make this one of the easily recognisable sporting themes among the 50 pence Olympics releases.
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Canoeing joins the sports honoured by the 2011 50p coin Olympics
Fast-moving water provides the challenge in Canoeing, where competitors must negotiate a series of gates while racing against the clock. Precision and control are essential, as mistakes can result in costly penalties.
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Cycling: racing against the competition
The steeply banked track provides the setting for Cycling, a discipline combining speed, endurance and tactical positioning. Riders compete in a variety of events where even fractions of a second can separate the leading competitors.
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Equestrian: horse and rider in competition
Balance, timing and coordination come together in Equestrian, represented by a rider and mount clearing a fence. The discipline stands apart from most other sports through the partnership required between athlete and animal.
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Fencing takes centre stage on a 2012 Olympic Games 50p
Quick reactions and carefully timed movements define Fencing, where competitors combine attack, defence and tactical decision-making. Its head-to-head nature gives the discipline a distinctive place among the Olympic 50 pence coins.
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| Image of each 50p ever minted Meaning of all 50 pence coins Stories about some mintages Value for each numismatic grade |
Football: the world’s most popular sport
Rather than focusing simply on players in action, Football is associated with one of the game’s most famous rules. The offside theme gives this sporting release an unusual educational element and makes it particularly easy to distinguish.
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Goalball enters the world of the 2012 Olympics 50p
Created specifically for athletes with visual impairments, Goalball relies heavily on hearing, spatial awareness and teamwork. Players track a ball containing bells as they attempt to defend their goal and score against the opposing team.
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Gymnastics: strength, balance and agility
Combining athletic ability with carefully controlled movement, Gymnastics is represented through the rhythmic discipline and its distinctive flowing ribbon. It brings a combination of coordination, balance and artistry to the Olympic 50 pence coins.
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Handball: a fast-paced team sport
Fast attacks and powerful shots characterise Handball, where two teams attempt to score by throwing the ball into the opposing goal. Rapid transitions between attack and defence make it one of the most dynamic team disciplines.
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Hockey joins the disciplines celebrated by the 50p coin 2011 Olympics
Played at high speed with constant changes in possession, Hockey demands accurate passing, close control and strong teamwork. Players must combine attacking movement with defensive organisation throughout the match.
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Judo: fighting for a place on the podium
Balance and technique are fundamental to Judo, where competitors use throws, holds and grappling techniques to overcome their opponents. Timing and control can be just as decisive as physical strength in this martial art.
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Modern Pentathlon: five challenges in one event
Versatility is essential in Modern Pentathlon, which challenges competitors across five very different disciplines. This unusual combination gives the sport a distinctive place among the Olympic 50 pence coins.
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Rowing finds its place on a 50p Olympic Games issue
Perfect coordination between crew members is essential in Rowing, where rhythm, technique and endurance all contribute to speed. Every movement must work in unison to propel the boat efficiently towards the finish.
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Sailing: competing for medals on the water
Changing conditions make Sailing a constant tactical challenge, with competitors adapting their approach according to the wind and water. Its combination of strategy, technique and speed also earned the discipline a place among the Olympic 50p releases.
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Shooting: accuracy under pressure
Concentration and accuracy are at the heart of Shooting, where even the smallest movement can affect the result. Competitors must maintain exceptional control and consistency while performing under the pressure of competition.
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| Image of each 50p ever minted Meaning of all 50 pence coins Stories about some mintages Value for each numismatic grade |
Swimming: two variants of the London Olympic 50p
Speed and efficient technique are central to Swimming, where competitors race across different distances and strokes. The discipline is also represented by one of the 50p rare Olympic coins, thanks to a scarce early design variety.
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Table Tennis: speed and reflexes at the table
Quick reactions define Table Tennis, where players must respond to rapid changes in speed, direction and spin. Precision and anticipation are essential during rallies, where even a small mistake can immediately cost a point.
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Taekwondo: a standout among the 50p rare Olympic coins
Powerful kicks and precise movements characterise Taekwondo, a martial art requiring excellent balance, flexibility and control. Competitors must combine attacking techniques with quick defensive reactions while carefully judging the distance from their opponent.
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Tennis: competing on the court
Fast serves, accurate shots and tactical decisions all play an important role in Tennis. Players need both physical endurance and concentration throughout a match, making its Olympic 50p piece an interesting representation of the discipline.
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Triathlon: three disciplines on an Olympic 50p piece
Three demanding stages make Triathlon a particularly challenging endurance event. Competitors move from swimming to cycling and finally running, requiring them to manage their energy efficiently throughout the entire race.
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Volleyball: battling for points at the net
Teamwork is fundamental in Volleyball, where players combine passing, setting, attacking and blocking to overcome the opposing team. Rapid exchanges around the net require excellent coordination and communication between teammates.
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Weightlifting: strength pushed to the limit
Strength alone is not enough in Weightlifting, as successful lifts also depend on balance, timing and precise technique. These demanding movements helped give the discipline a distinctive presence within the 50p Olympics 2012 selection.
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Wheelchair Rugby takes its place in the 50p Olympics
Combining teamwork, movement and strategy, Wheelchair Rugby is played indoors with teams attempting to carry the ball across their opponents’ goal line. Its inclusion provides the third Paralympic discipline represented among the sporting releases.
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Wrestling: one of the world’s oldest competitive sports
Close physical confrontation defines Wrestling, with competitors relying on holds, throws and controlled movements to gain an advantage. Technique and positioning are crucial, allowing skilled athletes to overcome opponents without relying solely on strength.
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| Image of each 50p ever minted Meaning of all 50 pence coins Stories about some mintages Value for each numismatic grade |
What event is commemorated by this issue?
The London Olympics 50p coins were created to celebrate the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, hosted in the British capital. The Olympics took place from 27 July to 12 August, followed by the Paralympics from 29 August to 9 September 2012.
The collection was released ahead of the Games and became one of the most ambitious commemorative coin projects ever produced for British circulation. Together, the issues celebrate the scale of the event and its importance as London became the first city in modern Olympic history to host the Games three times, after 1908 and 1948.
Are the 50p coins Olympic Games part of a series?
Yes. The Olympics 50p coins form one of the largest commemorative series issued in the UK, with 29 different sporting designs created for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Each design represents a different sport, making completing the full set a popular challenge among collectors.
If you enjoy collecting complete sets, take a look at our table below. It introduces the other commemorative series available to collectors, allowing you to discover their different themes and the coins needed to complete each collection.