Five rare coins that could be worth a fortune - including one that's worth £72,000
by Lee Grimsditch · ChronicleLiveWhile most of us view coins as mere pocket change, there could be a small fortune hidden amongst the pennies. Some of the rarest British coins have fetched thousands, even millions, at auction.
Some of these coins could well be rattling around in your pocket, while others are older and more likely found hidden away in a drawer or jar. So how can you tell if that coin in your hand is worth more than just its face value?
Dan Barrett, a collectibles expert from Pacific Precious Metals, has encountered numerous rare coins that turned out to be valuable treasures.
Using his expertise, Barrett explains how to identify coins that could potentially bring you a significant profit
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1. Silver 2p Coin (1971)
Silver 2p Coin (1971)One of the most intriguing error coins, the 1971 silver 2p coin is highly valuable due to the fact that it was mistakenly struck on a silver blank instead of the typical bronze. As a result, collectors are willing to pay a premium for this rare mistake, reports the Manchester Evening News.
These rare error coins have been known to fetch up to £2,500 or more, depending on their condition. If you happen to have a silver-coloured 2p coin from 1971, it could be worth significantly more than its face value and it would be wise to get it professionally appraised.
2. 1983 'New Pence' 2p Coin
In 1983, a small batch of 2p coins were accidentally minted with the words 'New Pence' instead of 'Two Pence'. Despite being relatively recent, these coins are highly sought after by collectors due to this minting error.
Depending on their condition, these 1983 'New Pence' 2p coins could be worth up to £3000. It's worth checking any 1983 2p coins in your collection for this rare minting error.
3. Undated 20p Coin
The undated 20p coin was minted in 2008 when a batch of 20p coins was accidentally struck without a date. These coins quickly became sought-after rarities.
Undated 20p coins can fetch between £50 to £150 depending on their condition, but some have sold for significantly more. If you have a 20p coin from 2008 with no date on it, you could be holding a valuable piece of modern British numismatic history.
4. £2 Commonwealth Games (Northern Ireland) Coin (2002)
Issued to commemorate the 2002 Commonwealth Games, this £2 coin featuring Northern Ireland is one of the rarest £2 coins in circulation and is highly prized by collectors. Depending on its condition, this £2 coin could fetch between £20 and £40, with those in mint condition commanding higher prices.
If you come across a £2 coin featuring the Northern Ireland flag from the 2002 Commonwealth Games series, it's worth examining its condition and getting it valued.
5. 1933 George V Penny
The 1933 George V penny is a highly coveted piece in British numismatics, with only a few ever minted. These rare coins are now hot property for collectors.
Depending on their condition, these pennies can command up to £72,000 or more at auction. However, beware of counterfeit copies often found on eBay.
If you stumble upon a 1933 George V penny in good nick, you could be sitting on a small fortune. To determine if your coins are worth more than just spare change, Dan Barrett recommends handling them carefully to avoid damage and seeking expert advice.
Coins in pristine condition fetch higher prices, so it's crucial to keep them safe. Whether you've recently unearthed an interesting coin or have a jar of old change lying around, it's always worth giving it a second glance.
You never know, your loose change could be concealing a valuable gem.
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