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Shoppers told to check their change as rare 50p coin sells for 250 times its value

SHOPPERS have been told to keep an eye on their loose change incase this elusive 50p that sells for 250 times its face value crops up.

This rare coin has been soaring in price on eBay and might be down the back of your sofa.

Rare 50 pence coin featuring a pagoda and vines.
PA
The rare Kew Gardens 50p has been sold for far more than its face value[/caption]
Undated handout photo issued by the Royal Mint of a 50p coin depicting the Atlantic Salmon and bearing the King's portrait, it is the rarest such coin in circulation, the Royal Mint has confirmed. The coin has knocked the "highly collectable" 2009 Kew Gardens 50p off the top spot for the first time in 15 years, the official maker of British coins said. Issue date: Monday October 7, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story MONEY Salmon . Photo credit should read: Royal Mint/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
The Atlantic Salmon coin has just overtaken Kew Gardens as the rarest coin

In 2009 the Kew Gardens coin was released to mark the 250th anniversary of the historic botanical garden in southwest London which opened in 1759.

Highly prized by collectors, the celebrated Kew Gardens coin has skyrocketed in great demand since its release.

The Royal Mint released around 210,000 copies of the coin which makes it one of the rarest coin available.

One side of the coin shows a the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, while the reverse showcases the Chinese Pagoda at the Royal Botanic Gardens, surrounded by two intertwining stems.

If you happen to stumble across a Kew Gardens 50p in your pocket, or tucked away in your glovebox, it could fetch far more than its face value.

At 350 times its original value, it’s definitely one to save rather than spend.

On eBay, one lucky seller attracted 20 bids on the coin before selling it for £139.

It was once considered the rarest coin in the UK, with only a limited number in circulation following its production.

Today, the title of rarest coin is believed to belong to a 50p featuring the Atlantic Salmon and bearing the King’s portrait.

What makes a coin rare?

One of the most common types of coins to collect are 50p pieces.

This is due to their large surface area, as there is enough space to add designs to.

With a 27.5mm diameter, it’s the biggest British coin and is used to celebrate big events like anniversaries, historical occasions, or sport fixtures.

During the Olympics, a range of themed 50p coins were printed – with the Aquatics 50p reaching up to an eye-watering £2,000 in auction.

This coin jumped in price due to an initial design error, which was quickly corrected, leading to very few misprints in circulation.

Mistakes make a coin unique as they will most likely be worth more, as there a fewer of them.

Even without a design error, if a coin has a low mintage there are fewer of them in circulation and so are deemed rare.

By and large, the rarer the coin the more valuable they are to collectors.

How to sell a rare coin

Handy auction websites like eBayFacebook marketplace, or trading apps can be easy to use – but there are risks.

Even though these sites are somewhat regulated, fraudsters may try and target sellers by asking to purchase the item and ask for money upfront for a courier.

You might find yourself waiting for them to show up as they’re only claiming to use a courier to nab some cash.

Links, payment URLs and transaction portals sent online are also risky and it’s advisable to meet up face to face.

Expert sellers sometimes recommend handling cash to limit the risk of online scams.

It’s often advised to take your rare coins to an auction to be safe.

Getting a specialist opinion through The Royal Mint’s Collectors Service can help you authenticate and value your coin.

Hitting the rare-coin jackpot could see you cashing in thousands if you get your hands on the right one.

The UK's rarest coins

  • Atlantic Salmon (2023), 200,000
  • Kew Gardens (2009), 210,000
  • Olympic Wrestling (2011), 1,129,500
  • Olympic Football (2011), 1,161,500
  • Olympic Judo (2011), 1,161,500
  • Olympic Triathlon (2011), 1,163,500
  • Peter Rabbit (2018), 1,400,000
  • Flopsy Bunny (2018), 1,400,000
  • Olympic Tennis (2011), 1,454,000
  • Olympic Goalball (2011), 1,615,500

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Prime Video confirm future of Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power after two series on air

PRIME Video has officially confirmed the future of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and the epic fantasy series is set to return for a third season.

The streaming giant has greenlit another installment of the high-budget show, which has become one of its most-watched series globally.

Scene from The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power showing burning ships and people watching from a dock.
Alamy
Amazon Prime Studios have revealed the future of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power[/caption]
Still from *The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power* showing an orc wielding a knife.
Alamy
The fantasy show will be returning for a third season[/caption]
Scene from *The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power* showing three characters embracing.
Alamy
A new director will be joining the team[/caption]

Pre-production is already underway, and filming is scheduled to begin this spring at Shepperton Studios in the UK.

The head of television at Amazon MGM Studios shared: “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and we’re thrilled that a third season is underway.

“The creative team has an extraordinary vision of what’s to come with stories that have left us enchanted and enthralled.”

The announcement also confirmed that three directors will head up the new season.

Charlotte Brändström and Sanaa Hamri will be returning, alongside newcomer Stefan Schwartz.

Charlotte directed multiple episodes across the first two seasons, and has been promoted to executive producer and director for series three.

Sanaa, who has previously worked on Prime Video’s The Wheel of Time, will also return.

Stefan is joining the franchise for the first time, after directing hit shows like The Boys, The Walking Dead, and Luther.

The Rings of Power has been a major success for Prime Video, drawing in over 170 million viewers worldwide and driving new sign-ups to the platform.

The first season holds the record for the biggest TV premiere in Prime Video’s history, while the second remains the most-watched returning season in terms of hours viewed.

The series explores the untold history of the fantasy world JRR Tolkien set Lord of the Rings in.

A premiere date for Season 3 is yet to be announced.

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Fortnite Championship Series 2025: What time does FNCS Major 1 start and how to watch

Person playing Fortnite on Playstation 5.
Alamy

CALLING all Fortnite fans! The Fortnite FNCS 2025 Major 1 grand final is fast approaching.

But what time will the Fortnite finals take place and how can you catch all of the action? Read on to find out more.

Child's hands holding a smartphone displaying the Fortnite loading screen.
Alamy

What time does FNCS Major 1 start?

The FNCS is in full swing as Fortnite’s best players compete for an impressive prize pool.

Throughout the season, competitors can climb divisions and bag more prizes by performing better during weekly matches. 

However, only Division 1 players can make it to the play-in stage and eventually the Major Finals. 

Following the same schedule as last year, there will be three Major Finals to fight for the title.

The Major 1 Final will begin on February 15, 2025, and will be played during Chapter 6 Season 1.

It kicks off at 4pm GMT.

When does the FNCS Major 1 finish?

The Fortnite FNCS Major 1 Final will come to a close on February 16.

For the 2025 season, the Fortnite Championship Series has switched from duos and to trios.

Once all three Finals are complete, the best-performing trios will qualify for the Fortnite Global Championship 2025.

According to a statement shared on the official Fortnite website: ”Lyon – Décines, France will host the Fortnite Global Championship (formerly “FNCS Global Championship”) 2025 from September 6 to September 7 at the LDLC Arena.”

The 2025 Fortnite Global Championship will feature 33 teams.

Fortnite Championship Series 2025: How to watch

To tune in, you can visit the official website, Twitch, YouTube, or TikTok.

Whichever platform you pick, simply type ”Fortnite” into your search bar to find the official broadcast.

More on Fortnite

Fortnite fans are in for a treat as we have plenty of explainers to help you bag V-Bucks and secure new skins.

We’ve covered ‘Where to buy V-Bucks in the UK‘ and how to get your hands on the viral Fortnite Skibidi Toilet Skin that lets you change the appearance of your character.

While we’re on the topic of gaming, our FNCS pickaxe explainer is also worth a closer look.

Searching for more skins?

You can play as Billie Eilish, Eminem, Lewis Hamilton, and Dwayne Johnson.

Other celebrity skins include Tom Holland and Zendaya, Ariana Grande, Harry Kane, and Neymar.

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Woman, 58, stabbed to death in quiet seaside town as another woman ‘known to her’, 39, is arrested over ‘murder’

A WOMAN has been found stabbed to death inside a home in a seaside town.

The victim, 58, was pronounced dead at the scene in Bexhill, East Sussex, at around 10pm on Wednesday.

Forensic investigators at a crime scene.
Eddie Mitchell
A woman has been knifed to death inside a home[/caption]
Aerial view of a crime scene with police cars and a house.
Eddie Mitchell
Police responded to calls yesterday from a property in Bayencourt South, Bexhill[/caption]

Another woman, 39, has been arrested on suspicion of murder, police confirmed today.

A man, 32, has also been detained on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Sussex Police said they both remain in custody while investigations continue.

It is believed the “matter involved people known to each other,” said the force.

A large blue-light presence was spotted swarming the area last night and officers remained on the scene this morning.

A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “Police investigating the fatal stabbing of a woman at a property in Bayencourt South, Bexhill, have arrested a woman on suspicion of murder.

“Emergency services were called to a report of a woman who had been stabbed just after 10pm on Wednesday, February 12.

“Despite the efforts of police and paramedics, the 58-year-old victim sadly died at the scene from her injuries.

“Her next of kin have been informed and are receiving support.

“Officers carried out an extensive search of the area and a 39-year-old woman from Bexhill was arrested on suspicion of murder.

“A 32-year-old man from Bexhill has also been arrested for assisting an offender.

“They are both currently in custody.”

Detective Chief Inspector Campbell said: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends following this tragic incident and the family ask that they are given privacy at this time.

“We are in the early stages of a fast-moving investigation, but it is currently believed this matter involved people known to each other.

“I understand this will be alarming to the community and there will be an increased police presence in the area for some time.

“We are asking anyone who has any information which could help us with our investigation to contact us. You can upload any information directly to our Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) by following the link below.”

Forensic officers at a crime scene.
Eddie Mitchell
Cops arrested a 39-year-old woman on suspicion of murder[/caption]
Forensic investigators at a crime scene.
Eddie Mitchell
The 58-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene[/caption]

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CBeebies legend Mr Tumble announces new job just weeks after taking a step back from hit show after 20 years on air

CBEEBIES legend Mr. Tumble is making a comeback in a brand new role just weeks after confirming he was taking a step back from the show.

The fan favourite character, played by Justin Fletcher, has appeared on BBC screens as the sole host of Something Special for the last 20 years.

Poster for Justin Fletcher's Justin Time to Rock live show.
BBC
Mr. Tumble star Justin Fletcher has landed a brand new role[/caption]
Poster for Justin Fletcher's "Justin Live Justin Time To Rock" show.
Not known, clear with picture desk
He is taking to the stage with a brand new tour[/caption]

Earlier this year, it was revealed he would be stepping back from the show full-time to be joined by three co-hosts to share out the work load.

Now, it’s been revealed that he has bagged a brand new job and you could be involved.

Justin will be heading out on tour for the first time in three years.

He will kick off the Justin Time To Rock shows this October in Bromley.

So far, dates have been announced until November but the star promises to stay on the road until spring 2026.

Tickets for most shows are expected to go on-sale tomorrow.

Speaking about heading out on the road once again, Justin said: “I’m so excited to be going out on tour this year in our brand-new show Justin Time to Rock.

“We really enjoy travelling around the country, performing our shows and meeting so many friends.

“We can’t wait to put the band together and dance and sing along to some fabulous party songs”.

A teaser synopsis for the show reads: “Justin and his friends are putting together a Rock band.

“But with so many songs to choose from, they are going to need your help to choose the best songs to sing and dance to.”

Justin’s TV show, Something Special, has become one of the BBC’s biggest children’s programmes.

The show, which airs on CBeebies uses Makaton signs, speech, and symbols to help children learn how to communicate and develop their language skills in a fun and exciting way.

In a huge shakeup that will change the show forever, the new series will see two additional presenters joining the much-loved Mr Tumble and Justin Fletcher.

Maddie Moate and Ben Cajee will be taking on presenting duties for Something Special, with George Webster also joining Justin throughout the series.

A clown adjusting his bow tie.
He recently stepped away from Something Special full-time

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KFC launches £1 kids meals just in time for half term as it takes on the McDonald’s Happy Meal

KIDS can eat at KFC for just £1 this half term – a quarter of the price of a Happy Meal.

The kid’s meal boxes, which usually cost from £4.49, are available for just £1 in KFC stores nationwide today.

KFC sign with Colonel Sanders' image.
Getty
Claim a £1 kids meal with every burger meal or box meal.[/caption]

The offer – which can be claimed by ordering a standard meal – gives kids the choice of three different KFC bucket meals that don’t break the bank.

The KFC Kids Bucket Meals rival McDonald’s Happy Meal, but at a quarter of the cost.

To compare; the Golden Arches’ famed Happy Meals are currently selling for £4.19, saving you £3.19.

To claim the KFC offer, buy any burger meal or box meal and you’ll get the option of a £1 Kids Bucket with either Mini Fillet & Dip, a Mini Fillet Burger, or Small Popcorn Chicken.

Prices for Box Meals start from £11.99 and Burger Meals from £8.99.

Each kids meal also comes with a regular side, regular drink and a fruit pineapple stick and is only available via click & collect on the KFC App or website.

One kid’s meal deal can be redeemed per transaction and you can buy as many as you like a day.

The offer runs from February 10 to March 2 so you can make the most of the deal at half term.

The Kid’s £1 deal isn’t the only cash-saving grub on the KFC menu.

You can now order a lunchtime-only Kentucky Original Wrap for £2.49.

The fan favourite is a chicken fillet with crunchy iceberg lettuce, black pepper mayo and a tortilla wrap.

The offer is available for collection until March 16 when you order online, via the KFC app or website.

The latest Kids and lunchtime deals come after KFC announced the return of a 5-year-old classic to the menu.

The chain says its rolling out an improved version of its Double Down burger, last seen on the menu nearly half a decade ago.

The burger features two breaded chicken breasts instead of a sandwich bun, and was last seen on the menus in 2019.

KFC said it is now bringing the dish back, but with a twist.

How to save money at KFC

Consumer reporter Sam Walker talks you through some of the ways you can save money on your next trip…

Shoppers with a Blue Light Card can use it at KFC, getting 10% off all orders. It might not seem a lot, but the savings add up.

Download the KFC app to play in the KFC Rewards Arcade too. You get one spin per £3 spent.

If you win, you receive a free item, which could include regular fries, a flamin’ wrap, regular popcorn chicken or even six pieces of original recipe chicken.

KFC also now offers a lunch meal deal, every weekday until 3pm. For £5.49, you can get a main, side and drink.

The snack now also features a hash brown wedged between the chicken buns along with cheese and KFC Supercharger sauce.

Lovers of the fried dish have given the burger glowing reviews every time it returns to menus.

One even described it as the “holy grail” of burgers.

The burger made its comeback on February 10.

It costs £7.49 as a single item, or £9.49 if you want to add fries and a drink.

A box meal including the burger, fries, a side drink and two hot wings costs £11.49.

But if you want to get your hands on the treat you will need to act fast.

It will only be on menus until March 16, giving customers just five weeks to try it out.

Other Half Term Kids Meal Deals

KFC isn’t the only chain looking to help shoppers save money during half term.

Asda trumps all with children getting a hot dinner for £1 all day at cafes with no adult spend required.

The offer was launched in 2022 and proved so popular with cash-strapped families, the superstore rolled it out all year round.

Kids can choose from one of eight hot meals, including pasta, margherita pizza and a half jacket potato, or they can have a cold lunch consisting of a sandwich, drink, fruit and treat.

Morrisons have an offer that kids eat for free if an adult buys a meal for £4.50 or more.

The kids meal includes a free main meal from the kids menu, piece of fruit and Tropicana Kids Orange or Apple drink or bottle of water.

Harvester is offering kids meals for just £1 off the Smaller Bites and Bigger Bites and Kids’ Breakfast menus, when an adult buys a main.

The offer runs from February 10 to February 28.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

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TV chef Gordon Ramsay’s burger chain with 9 locations across Britain suddenly CLOSES major restaurant

A GORDON Ramsay burger restaurant has been closed down after it was plagued by bad reviews.

The windows of Street Burger on Kensington High Street, London, have been boarded up and the eatery is set to be replaced by a rival restaurant.

Gordon Ramsay at the GQ Food & Drink Awards.
Getty
Gordon Ramsay boosted his career with his Kitchen Nightmares TV show which saved struggling restaurants from the brink[/caption]
Street Burger restaurant on Kensington Street.
Google
The branch on Kensington High Street has closed[/caption]

The London branch was one of the chain’s nine locations across the UK.

There are signs on the windows that suggest it will be replaced by a Burger & Lobster.

It is listed as closed on Google and the branch is no longer listed on the Street Burger website.

Online, the chain promises the “perfect burger from Michelin-starred chef Gordon Ramsay”, but the reviews on Tripadvisor argue otherwise.

The restaurant was rated 3.5 stars on Tripadvisor at the time of writing and of the 266 reviews, 95 marked the restaurant as either “average”, “poor” or “terrible”.

Giving it one star, one person wrote: “Bad taste bad service bad size bad price bad everything. If this is something to do with Gordon Ramsey’s recipies – Wake up. GR!”

Another branded it “the most unpleasant experience” and wrote: “The most terrible place to be I’ve never felt so unwelcome at a restaurant.

“From the moment we arrived, the staff seemed indifferent and even irritated to be serving us.

“They were slow, inattentive, and downright rude when we asked for something as simple as more water.

“The food was overpriced, and honestly, not worth the attitude. Avoid this place if you want a pleasant evening!”

Most of the negative comments accused the eatery of being “overpriced” and complained about the table service.

However, there were plenty of happy customers who enjoyed the grub at Gordon’s joint.

“Great food and good service, enjoyable atmosphere inside. Food came very quickly and the staff were friendly and helpful,” one wrote.

“Really good selection of dishes! Everyone could find something they like and they even do Pizza T/A!!!!! We loved our visit xxx” agreed another.

“Fantastic spot with [a] good happy vibe! Great choice on the menu and some new items since I went last time, lovely place highly recommended x” echoed a third.

The Sun has contacted Gordon Ramsay Restaurants for comment.

Last year was a bad 12 months for celebrity chefs after swathes of their restaurants failed.

Even BBC MasterChef judges haven’t been saved amid a spate of shocking closures as the hospitality industry feels extra pressure this year.

Marco Pierre White,  Simon Rimmer and Tony Rodd, to name a few, won over viewers’ hearts on screen – but when it comes to running their own restaurant chains, things haven’t always been as smooth.

One of those closures is Gordon’s protege and TV star Mark Sargeant, 51, has been forced to close down his restaurant in Kent.

The chef announced the news in an email sent to loyal customers.

As seen by Kent Online, the message read: “It is with deep regret that we announce the closure of The Restaurant MS.

“This decision, made after careful consideration, has not been easy.

“However, the challenging market conditions and an unpredictable future have compelled us to take this step.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued customers, dedicated employees, and supportive suppliers for their unwavering support since our inception, as we could not have achieved this journey without each of you.”

Another email from bosses read: “All voucher holders will be contacted shortly.

“Please be advised that we can only communicate with the individual who purchased the voucher.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused you.”

Lamb burger with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and red onion, served with french fries.
instagram
The food at the London restaurant was slated as overpriced[/caption]

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Kai Havertz injury update as Arsenal release statement on crocked star following devastating hamstring tear

ARSENAL have released a statement with an update on the injury of Kai Havertz.

The German forward has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring tear.

Kai Havertz of Arsenal during a Carabao Cup match.
Getty
Kai Havert will have to undergo surgery on his injury[/caption]
Arsenal players Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Ben White, and William Saliba at a training session.
Getty
Havertz’s injury happened during the club’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai[/caption]

Havertz, 25, picked up the injury during the club’s training camp in Dubai and will need to undergo surgery.

Arsenal confirmed in a statement that this was the case.

It was also revealed that the former Chelsea star will have a recovery programme that will run into the pre-season training for the 2025/26 campaign.

It read: “We can confirm that Kai Havertz has sustained a hamstring injury during a training session in Dubai last week.

“Subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed that the injury will require surgery, which will take place in the coming days.

“Soon after surgery, Kai will begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, which is expected to extend into pre-season preparations for next season.

“Everyone at the club is fully focused on supporting Kai to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”

The long-term injury to Havertz has damaged Arsenal’s title hopes and shone a light on the lack of depth available to Mikel Arteta.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

The club were hotly tipped to sign a new striker in the January transfer window with links to the likes of Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko.

However, the North London outfit did not make a move in the market to bolster their attack.

Kai Havertz's Arsenal 2024-25 season statistics.

It has been speculated that midfielder Mikel Merino could be tried as a makeshift forward.

While academy players Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Ismeal Kabia and Khayon Edwards may enter Arteta’s thinking.

Arsenal headed to Dubai for their annual warm-weather training trip last Thursday.

Crocked stars Ben White and Bukayo Saka were able to join their team-mates on the training camp, as they both step up their respective injury recoveries.

Arsenal's next five games schedule.

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