A 'super rare' 50p coin could be worth as much as £40,000, and spotting it in your change requires a close look at one tiny detail. The coin in question is the 2020 Brexit 50p piece, which was minted in millions for circulation. However, a minuscule date error makes some versions exceptionally valuable.
What to Look For on the Brexit 50p Coin
According to @CoinCollectingWizard, a TikTok coin expert with 270,000 followers, the key is checking the date at the bottom of the coin. The standard version bears the date 31 January 2020, the day the UK officially left the European Union. But due to multiple Brexit delays, the Royal Mint produced batches with earlier dates before the final design was settled. Coins with dates such as October 2019 or 29 March 2019 are considered error coins and have sold for as much as £40,000.
“If you find the Brexit 50p coin in your change – which is most likely, as millions were minted – then all you need to do is check the date at the bottom. If your date says 31st January 2020, this is just the regular common version worth 50p. But if you are super lucky and find one with a date other than 2020, such as this one from October 2019, then you have just found a super rare error coin, and yes, it has been known to sell for £40,000,” said @CoinCollectingWizard.
Why the Error Occurred
The official 2020 Brexit 50p coin commemorates a pivotal political milestone in UK history. Its inscription reads: “Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations” alongside the historic leaving date of 31 January 2020. However, due to repeated delays in the Brexit process, the Royal Mint had to melt down and re-engrave batches multiple times. This resulted in a “coin with three dates” – 29 March 2019, 31 October 2019, and 31 January 2020. Only the final version with the correct exit date entered widespread circulation.
The TikTok video highlighting the error racked up significant attention, with one commenter saying: “I've got six of these coins.” Another celebrated: “I've got one!”
How to Verify and Value Rare Coins
Identifying a rare coin involves checking its date, mint marks, physical condition, and unique errors. Collectors can use AI-powered smartphone apps to snap a photo and instantly get identification with estimated values. Lower mintage numbers generally indicate a “key date” and higher value. Double dies, missing mint marks, or incorrect dates can make coins exceptionally rare.
To have coins verified, experts recommend services like Change Checker or auction houses. For an indication of market value, checking sold listings on eBay can provide a realistic estimate of what buyers are willing to pay.
