A gold proof version of the iconic Kew Gardens 50p coin is causing a stir on TikTok, with collectors eager to get their hands on this rare piece valued at £7,000. The coin, which was released in 2009 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Kew Gardens, is considered the ‘holy grail’ of coins and has seen its value skyrocket in recent years.
Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, faces a dire future as climate change threatens its iconic tree collection. Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall could see up to a third of the gardens’ trees vanish by the end of the century, including beloved English oaks. Scientists are turning to hybrid trees, like a cross between the common beech and the Oriental beech, to ensure a greener future for the gardens and the region.
