Bailiwick of Jersey 50p

Introducing the Bailiwick of Jersey 50p Coin

The Bailiwick of Jersey 50p coin is a standard circulation coin for the Crown dependency of Jersey, officially known as the ‘Bailiwick of Jersey.’ Also a part of the Channel Islands, Jersey has a currency union with the United Kingdom, which means that the island allows the use and circulation of both its Jersey Pound as well as the British Pound. Through this agreement, Jersey pounds are denominated in pound sterling and so can be exchanged with the equivalent sterling notes and coins. However, even though Jersey accepts both currencies, the UK does not consider the Jersey Pound legal tender. 

Bailiwick of Jersey 50p

The Bailiwick of Jersey 50p reverse design, by Robert Lowe, features the iconic arch from the ruined 14^th-century structure, Grosnez Castle. Located on St Ouen in the north-west corner of the island, the castle was built by Sir John des Roches around 1330. It was meant to be a safe place for the local farmers from the French as the Hundred Years’ War was fought across the waters. The obverse has a crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley. 

Ian Monins, Coin Adviser to the Jersey States Treasury, took a major part in redesigning the circulating coins for the new decimal issues. He wanted the new designs to be “pocket ambassadors for our island.” Each circulation coin, from 1p to 50p, had a design that demonstrated an important era in Jersey history. The 50p design of Grosnez Castle is representative of the Middle Ages. 

(Caption: Baliwick of Jersey – Grosnez Castle)

How Much is the Bailiwick of Jersey 50p Worth?

Because the Bailiwick of Jersey 50p was released multiple times between 1998 to 2016, the worth of the Bailiwick of Jersey 50p will vary. However, unlike most UK 50p’s, Jersey coins mintages are extremely low because of their smaller population. So regardless of what year you have, it will be a good idea to keep it. The year, its mintage, and its highest eBay price sold, if found, (as of May 2019) are listed below. 

• 1998: 2 million mintage, £1.99
• 2003: 10,000 mintage 
• 2005: 200,000 mintage, £1.50
• 2006: 300,000 mintage, £1.65
• 2009 480,000 mintage, £1.50
• 2012: 365,000 mintage, £1.99
• 2014: mintage unknown, £0.99
• 2016: mintage unknown, £2.95 

Other Versions of the Bailiwick of Jersey 50p Coin

The Bailiwick of Jersey 50p was not just issued between 1998 to 2016. There are other 50p’s from other years. Coins issued before 1998, before decimalisation occurred, will also be slightly larger in size.  

The 1969, 1980, and 1981 Bailiwick of Jersey 50p coins have a design of three lions on a shield. The 50p coins from 1983 to 1997 have the same design of Grosnez Castle on the reverse, but they are of the larger, pre-decimalisation size. There is also a 1997 run of 50p coins that are the smaller current size. Then, to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the Liberation in 1985, Jersey released a special commemorative design with two crossed flags over a broken chain. 

Other Crown Dependency Coins

If you’re interested in other coins from Crown dependencies, the Chancery Collection also has some coins from the Isle of Man. There is a 50p celebrating the Isle of Man TT Motorcycle Race, a 20p with the Castle Rushen Clock, and a 50p with Milner’s Tower.