An expert has explained that three seemingly ordinary 50p coins could be worth as much as £2,000 – but only if they have specific errors or dates that make them incredibly rare
An expert has explained that three seemingly ordinary 50p coins could be worth as much as £2,000 – but only if they have specific errors or dates that make them incredibly rare
Brits are being encouraged to inspect their loose change for three seemingly regular coins that could be worth significantly more than their face value. An expert has estimated that these 50p pieces could collectively fetch up to £2,280.
However, the coins only hold this value if they bear specific errors or dates that make them particularly rare. The Coin Collecting Wizard, a coin expert with more than 220,000 followers online, explained exactly what to look out for.
Firstly, he pointed out a 50p coin from 2017, which features an image of Beatrix Potter’s character, Benjamin Bunny. Typically, this coin would only be worth its face value. However, some versions of this coin have an error that collectors highly desire.
“The 2017 Benjamin Bunny 50p is usually just worth face value unless you have a rare rotation error version,” the expert shared. “The error Benjamin Bunny coin has the Queen’s head printed facing the wrong direction. When a coin is flipped over the Queen’s head should be facing to the left, but on a rotation error coin, this would be different.”
He disclosed that this coin could fetch around £30, approximately 60 times its face value. Next, the expert drew attention to a coin minted to commemorate the 2012 London Olympics.
This particular coin is known as the aquatics 50p and features an image of a swimmer. However, it only holds additional value if the wavy lines representing water cover the swimmer’s face.
These lines are exclusive to the earliest versions of the coin from 2011, as subsequent versions underwent changes. “If you discover an aquatic 50p error coin with lines across the face, it could be worth a tidy sum,” stated the expert.
“A small number of this original design were released into circulation before it was quickly modified to depict the face above the water.” This coin can be worth up to £2,000, he revealed.
He further explained: “With so few of the original designs in circulation, the coin’s value has significantly increased.” He also advised followers to keep an eye out for another 50p coin minted in honour of the 2012 Olympic Games.
The athletics coin showcases a child’s sketch of a high jump athlete. However, it’s the 2009 version that collectors should look out for, as it could fetch £250 or more.
“Approximately 2.2 million of the athletics 50p coin were minted and circulated in 2011,” he noted. “But this earlier version was minted in 2009 and is more valuable to collectors. If you possess this coin dated 2009, then you’ve struck gold and can sell it for £250+.”
