A 50p coin featuring Benjamin Bunny could be worth 'big money' if it has a minting error that leaves the Queen's head upside down. The coin, released in 2017, has a small batch of around 10,000 struck with a rotation error, making it highly desirable among collectors.
What is the Benjamin Bunny 50p error?
According to @CoinCollectingWizard, a TikTok account with 273,000 followers, the error occurs when the obverse (Queen's head) and reverse (Benjamin Bunny) are misaligned during production. The expert said: "If the Queen is upside down on your 50p coin then it's worth 'big money'."
The design error means the Queen's head faces a different direction to Benjamin Bunny when the coin is flipped. The expert added: "When you flip it round, the Queen should be facing the same way Benjamin Bunny. If the Queen is facing any other way, then you have found a rare rotation error worth money."
How much is the coin worth?
The Royal Mint released 25 million of these coins, but only a small batch of around 10,000 have the defect. It is believed that owning one of these versions can sell for more than 80 times its face value, which is around £40 to £50.
Error coins are still legal tender as long as the original coin is in circulation, meaning they can be found in everyday change. The expert advised: "You can easily come across one in your change. Often times error coins can sell for a lot more than their face value."
How to check if you have one
To check for the error, hold the coin upright with the Queen's head straight, then flip it horizontally. If Benjamin Bunny is tilted or upside down relative to the obverse, you have a rotation error. The expert suggested flipping the rabbit over to check the Queen's position.
