12+ Rare and Valuable UK Coins and How to Identify Them
You might be surprised to learn that some of the rarest and most valuable British coins could be hiding in your purse or piggy bank.
These hidden treasures often go unnoticed, but with a keen eye and a bit of knowledge, you could discover coins worth far more than their face value. The value can vary widely based on factors like rarity, condition, and demand. Some may be valuable due a printing error, or limited run. Others, due to age.
Take a moment to check your change against the list below and see if you have any of these collectible gems tucked away.
New Pence 2p Coins
The New Pence 2p coins were introduced by The Royal Mint in 1971. They featured the words “NEW PENCE” on their reverse side. This design changed in 1982 to simply state “TWO PENCE”.
In 1983 a mistake was made, and some 2p coins were created with “NEW PENCE” on the reverse instead of the updated design. These coins are quite rare and valuable to collectors.
Collecting Value
If you are lucky enough to find an original 1983 New Pence 2p coin in mint condition, it could be worth £500 to £700! Although if they’ve been in circulation, the value will be lowered.
When searching for these coins in places like eBay, be careful of sellers trying to pass off regular coins as rare ones. Always check the details before buying.
While many New Pence coins are common, the rare 1983 version stands out in the collection market. Keep an eye on your change, as you might find a hidden gem!
Kew Gardens 50p Coin
The Kew Gardens 50p coin was issued in 2009. Only 210,000 coins were minted, making it highly sought after by collectors.
This coin features a beautiful design, highlighting the famous Chinese pagoda from Kew Gardens. Many people appreciate its intricate details and significance.
Due to its rarity, the Kew Gardens 50p coin can be quite valuable. Prices can range from £100 to £240 depending on the condition and demand.
Here are a few important points to remember:
- Mint Year: 2009
- Mintage: 210,000
- Value Range: £100 – £240
Watch out for fakes! Counterfeit coins exist, often with noticeable design flaws. Always check the weight and detail, as original coins have specific characteristics.
Olympic Football 2011 50p Coins
The Olympic Football 50p coin from 2011 is quite special. It’s known for being the rarest of the Olympic 50p coins, with only 1,125,500 coins minted.
Many collectors seek this coin due to its limited mintage. If you have one, it’s a great addition to your collection. The value can vary, but it has been known to reach prices between £8 and £13.
Key Features
- Design: The coin features a unique design related to football.
- Mintage: Only 1.125 million were produced.
- Rarity: This low mintage makes it highly sought after by collectors.
If you’re thinking of selling, remember that prices can fluctuate. Keeping your coin in good condition can help maintain its value.
The Original 2011 Olympic Aquatics 50p Coin
The 2011 Olympic Aquatics 50p coin features a unique design. Initially, the swimmer’s face was hidden by water. This version did not last long and was soon replaced.
Because of this, the original design is quite rare. It’s now sought after by collectors.
Value
In excellent condition, this coin can be worth as much as £1500 to £5000. Many factors influence its value, including:
- Condition: The better the condition, the higher the price.
- Rarity: Fewer coins in circulation mean more value.
- Demand: The popularity among collectors can boost prices.
2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p
The 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p coin features a distinctive design celebrating this important species. It showcases an image of the salmon on the reverse side and is part of a collection representing British wildlife. It was also one of the first coins to be minted with King Charles face on, instead of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Key Details
- Designer: The reverse design is by The Royal Mint.
- Weight: 8.00 grams
- Diameter: 27.30 mm
- Material: Cupro-Nickel
With an estimated mintage of 500,000, this coin is not as rare as some others, but it remains popular among collectors.
The coin’s value can reach up to £20 in certain conditions. Factors like the coin’s quality and market demand will affect its resale price.
2017 Isaac Newton 50p Coin
The 2017 Isaac Newton 50p coin is a special commemorative piece from the Royal Mint. It celebrates Sir Isaac Newton, a key figure in the world of science.
Key Details
- Mintage: Only 1,801,500 coins were produced.
- Design: The coin features a design that reflects Newton’s theories, with the Sun at the centre and three ellipses representing orbits.
This low mintage adds to its appeal among collectors.
Value
If you come across this coin in your change, you could find it worth between £3.00 and £12.00, depending on its condition. The 50p piece is sought after due to its historical significance and unique design.
2018 Peter Rabbit 50p Coin
The 2018 Peter Rabbit 50p coin is a popular piece in the Beatrix Potter collection. It was issued by the Royal Mint and features the beloved character, Peter Rabbit.
You may have spotted one of these in your change, as 1.4 millin of them were minted. But they’re still worth hanging onto.
You can typically find this coin selling for £4.50 to £12 depending on condition.
Key Details
- Denomination: 50p
- Design: Features Peter Rabbit eating radishes, designed by Emma Noble.
- Celebration: Issued to honour the 150th anniversary of Beatrix Potter’s birth.
Jemima Puddle-Duck 50p coin
The Jemima Puddle-Duck 50p coin is part of the Beatrix Potter collection, which was released in 2016. This coin is popular among collectors due to its charm and low mintage.
Key Details
- Mintage: 2,100,000 coins
- Current Value: £4 to £15 depending on condition
You might find this coin available online, often at higher prices than its face value. Keep an eye out on auction sites or coin shops if you’re looking to buy or sell.
1996 Euro Football £2 Coin
The 1996 Euro Football £2 coin is a special piece in British coinage. It was created to celebrate the UEFA Euro 1996 football tournament held in England.
This coin is quite rare. Only around 2,100 coins were minted, making it a sought-after item for collectors.
Key Details
- Mintage: Approximately 2,100
- Estimated Value: About £800
Its design features a gently concave surface that represents a football, along with the date 1996.
Many people enjoy searching for this coin, hoping to add it to their collection. If you find one, you could have a valuable piece in hand.
Collectors value it not just for its rarity but also for its significance in celebrating football in England. The combination of scarcity and historical importance makes it a gem among £2 coins.
2002 Commonwealth Games £2 Coin
The 2002 Commonwealth Games £2 coin is a special coin that marks the games held in Manchester. It features four different designs representing England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Among these, the Northern Ireland version is the rarest. It has a mintage of just 485,500 coins. This low number makes it quite sought after by collectors.
Values
Here’s a quick look at the values:
| Coin | Mintage | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| England | 650,500 | £10 – £15 |
| Scotland | 771,750 | £10 – £15 |
| Wales | 588,500 | £10 – £15 |
| Northern Ireland | 485,500 | £30 – £50 |
Key Details
These coins are made with a bi-metallic design. They have a gold-coloured outer ring and a silver-coloured centre. The coin is 28.4 mm in diameter and weighs 12 grams.
You might also notice the words “Commonwealth Games Manchester 2002” on the coin. This makes it a nice piece to add to your collection, especially if you can find the rare Northern Ireland coin.
2005 Guy Fawkes £2 Coin
The 2005 Guy Fawkes £2 coin celebrates the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot. This coin features a unique design that references this historic event.
One notable mistake on the coin is the spelling of “Pemember” instead of “Remember.” This error makes it quite special and sought after by collectors.
Key Details
Here are some details about the coin:
- Year of Issue: 2005
- Mintage: Approximately 5,140,500
- Common Value Range: £5 to £15
You might find this coin in various conditions. If it is uncirculated or in proof condition, it can fetch a higher price.
When searching for this coin, check online marketplaces or coin shops. It’s a great addition to any collection, especially for those interested in British history. Keep an eye out for the spelling error, as it adds to the coin’s charm and value.
Enjoy exploring the world of coin collecting! You may discover more unique pieces like the Guy Fawkes £2 coin that tell fascinating stories from the past.
2015 Britannia £2 Coin
The 2015 Britannia £2 coin is a notable addition to British coinage. This coin marks the special return of Britannia to the £2 series after a period of absence.
This coin was minted in limited quantities. It features a modern interpretation of Britannia, symbolising Britain’s strength and unity.
Value
If you have this coin, it could be valued between £3 and £5. If you own an uncirculated version, you might find it worth even more.
Key Details
- Year of Minting: 2015
- Design: Britannia
- Typical Value: £3 to £5
- Higher Value: Uncirculated versions may fetch more
If you’re building your coin collection, the 2015 Britannia £2 coin is definitely one to look out for!
Undated 20p Coin from 2008
The undated 20p coin from 2008 is a notable piece in British coinage. About 250,000 of these coins were minted without a date due to an error.
This mistake makes the undated 20p one of the rarest coins still in circulation. Coin collectors often show interest in this unique item.
Value
Your undated 20p coin can be worth quite a bit depending on the condition. Here’s a quick look at its value:
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good | £50 |
| Very Good | £75 |
| Excellent | £100 |
Factors affecting value include its condition and demand among collectors. Coins in better shape fetch higher prices.
1917 George V Sovereign
The 1917 George V Sovereign is among the most valuable coins in the UK. Its rarity and historical significance make it highly sought after by collectors.
Key Details
- Diameter: 22 mm
- Metal: Gold (22-carat)
- Mintage: Limited, contributing to its value
You may find that some have sold for as much as £11,000. Such prices reflect both its condition and demand.
Design
On the obverse, the coin features a portrait of King George V. The reverse shows St. George triumphantly defeating a dragon, which is a classic design theme in British coinage.
This particular Sovereign is distinct for its lack of a mint mark, indicating it was produced in London.
Value
The value of the 1917 Sovereign can vary based on several factors:
- Quality: Coins in better condition fetch higher prices.
- Rarity: Limited mintage increases desirability.
- Market Demand: Prices can fluctuate based on collector interest.
If you’re considering adding this coin to your collection, pay attention to its condition and the current market trends.
1933 George V Penny
The 1933 George V penny is one of the rarest coins in British numismatics. Only a few known specimens exist, making it a prized item for collectors.
This penny was not issued for general circulation. Instead, it was struck for specific occasions, including a tradition of burying coins under foundation stones of new buildings.
Key Details
- Rarity: There are about six or seven of these coins.
- Value: Some examples can reach impressive prices, being valued at up to £100,000.
Grading and Condition
The value of the 1933 penny often depends on its condition. Coins graded as highly as MS63 have sold for significant amounts, reflecting their rarity and demand.
How to Sell Your Coins Online
Selling your rare coins online can be an easy and effective way to make some money. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started, even if you’re new to the process.
1. Selling Coins ON eBay
eBay is one of the most popular platforms for selling coins. Here’s how to do it:
- Create an Account: If you don’t already have an eBay account, you’ll need to sign up for one. It’s free and straightforward.
- List Your Coin: Click on the “Sell” button and follow the prompts to list your item. Make sure to provide clear, high-quality photos of both sides of the coin.
- Write a Detailed Description: Include important details like the year, denomination, condition, and any special features or errors. The more information you provide, the better.
- Set a Price: You can choose to set a fixed price or start an auction. Research similar listings to get an idea of what your coin might be worth.
- Shipping: Decide who will pay for shipping and package your coin securely when it sells.
2. Using Other Coin Selling Sites
Apart from eBay, there are several other websites where you can sell your coins. These include:
- Coin Hunter: This site is specifically for UK coin collectors and sellers. It allows you to list your coins and reach a targeted audience.
- Facebook Marketplace: You can list your coins in local buy-and-sell groups. This is a good option if you prefer to deal with local buyers.
- Specialist Coin Dealers: Websites like Coin Craft or Chards offer platforms for selling rare coins. They often provide valuation services and might buy coins directly from you.
3. Tips for Selling Coins Online
- Research: Before listing your coin, do some research to understand its value. Check recent sales of similar coins to get an idea of the price range.
- Clear Photos: Take clear, high-resolution photos from multiple angles. Good photos can make a big difference in attracting buyers.
- Honesty: Be honest about the condition of your coin. If there are any flaws or wear, mention them in the description.
- Secure Packaging: When your coin sells, package it securely to prevent damage during shipping. Use padded envelopes and consider insuring valuable items.
Posting RAre Coins in the UK
If you’ve sold some coins online and need to post them, you should make sure the postage company can offer insurance to cover them.
There are several UK postal companies offer services suitable for ensuring the security and proper handling of your valuable items. Here are some options:
1. Royal Mail
Royal Mail provides several options specifically for valuable items, including collectible coins:
- Special Delivery Guaranteed: This service ensures next-day delivery with compensation up to £2,500 for loss or damage. It includes tracking and a signature on delivery.
- Tracked 24 and Tracked 48: Both services offer tracking and delivery confirmation, with Tracked 24 aiming for next-day delivery and Tracked 48 within two days.
2. Parcelforce Worldwide
Parcelforce, a subsidiary of Royal Mail, also offers services for sending valuable items:
- Express 9, Express 10, and Express AM: These options guarantee delivery by a specific time the next day, including tracking and compensation cover up to £2,500.
- Express 24 and Express 48: Suitable for less urgent deliveries, these services offer tracking and compensation.
3. DHL Express
DHL provides international and domestic shipping options that can be used for sending valuable items like collectible coins:
- Express Worldwide: This service offers fast international delivery with tracking and insurance options.
- Domestic Express: For UK deliveries, DHL offers next-day delivery with tracking and additional insurance coverage.
4. UPS
UPS is another reliable option for sending valuable items domestically and internationally:
- UPS Express Plus, Express, and Express Saver: These services offer fast delivery with tracking and compensation options.
- UPS Standard: Suitable for less urgent shipments within the UK, providing reliable delivery with tracking.
Important Tips:
- Insurance: Always check the insurance policy and ensure it covers the full value of your collectible coins.
- Packaging: Use sturdy, tamper-proof packaging, and consider using padded envelopes or small boxes with additional padding to prevent damage.
- Tracking and Signature: Choose services that offer tracking and require a signature on delivery to ensure your coins are securely handled.
