Britons are being encouraged to sift through their piggy banks and spare change this January, as certain 50p coins in circulation could be worth thousands of pounds to eager collectors. A coin expert has highlighted three specific designs where a minting error or a rare early version can transform loose change into a significant windfall.
The Three 50p Coins To Hunt For
Instagram user @CoinCollectingWizard, who has a following of over 36,000 people, recently detailed the trio of coins that have the potential to "make you thousands". The value lies not in the common versions, but in specific, hard-to-find variations.
The first is the 2017 Benjamin Bunny 50p. While most of these coins are worth only their face value, a rare rotation error version is highly sought after. "The error Benjamin Bunny coin has the Queen's head printed facing the wrong direction," the expert explained. Normally, when a coin is flipped vertically, the Queen's head should face left. On the error coin, this orientation is different. A coin with this mistake can fetch around £30.
Olympic Treasures in Your Pocket
The second valuable piece is the Aquatics 50p, part of the 29-coin collection released for the London 2012 Olympic Games. However, collectors are specifically hunting for the original design that features lines across the swimmer's face. "It could be worth a small fortune like £2,000," the expert revealed.
This version had a very short production run before the design was quickly altered to show the face clearly above the water. The extreme scarcity of the original design has driven its market value sky-high.
The third coin is from the same Olympic series: the Athletics 50p. Although approximately 2.2 million of these coins entered circulation in 2011, an earlier, rarer version dated 2009 is the one to find. "If you have this coin dated 2009, then you have found it and can sell for £250 plus," the collector concluded.
What To Do If You Find a Rare Coin
If you suspect you have one of these valuable coins, it's crucial to handle it correctly to preserve its worth. Follow these three key steps:
Protect the coin immediately. Handle it carefully by the edges to avoid adding oils or dirt. Never attempt to clean it, as cleaning can cause scratches and abrasions that dramatically reduce its value. Place it in a protective holder or a soft envelope.
Get it verified by a professional. Contact a reputable coin dealer or grading service to have the coin authenticated. It's also wise to conduct your own research using trusted numismatic resources to understand its potential market.
Contact multiple dealers to sell. When ready to sell, approach several reputable local coin shops or established dealerships to get valuations. Obtaining multiple opinions ensures you get a fair market price before you decide to sell.
With many people receiving change over the festive period, now is the perfect time to check your coins. A quick glance could reveal you've been carrying a small fortune in your pocket or purse all along.
