A coin collecting expert has revealed that Brits could be sitting on a small fortune by simply checking their loose change. In a viral social media video, the expert known as the Coin Collecting Wizard identified three specific coins that, if found with certain errors or dates, could collectively be worth more than £3,000.
The £2 Coin Worth a Cool Grand
The first coin to look for is the Lord Kitchener £2 coin from 2014, minted to commemorate the centenary of the First World War. However, it's not the standard version that holds value.
The expert explained that a rare error version exists which is missing the denomination "two pounds" on the obverse (head) side of the coin. This seemingly small minting mistake makes the coin highly sought-after, with an estimated value of around £1,000.
Two Olympic 50p Coins With a Hidden Premium
The hunt then moves to the 50p pieces, specifically two designs from the London 2012 Olympic series.
The first is the Athletics 50p coin, which features a high jumper. The key to its value lies in the date. While most of these coins were minted in 2011, a rare first edition was produced in 2009 as part of a Blue Peter competition. If you find the 2009 version in your change, it could be worth approximately £250.
The second and most valuable 50p is the Aquatics coin. The original design of this swimming-themed coin had lines representing water covering the swimmer's face. The Royal Mint later altered the design to make the face clearer. If you are lucky enough to find the original version with the lines over the face, it could fetch an impressive £2,000.
Time to Check Your Pockets
The message from the expert is clear: ordinary-looking coins in your pocket or piggy bank could be hiding a significant premium. By knowing the specific details to look for—a missing inscription on a £2 coin and particular dates and designs on 50p pieces—you could uncover a collector's item worth thousands. The combined value of these three rare finds highlights the potential treasure trove circulating in everyday UK change.