Households are being urged to check their change for a Benjamin Bunny 50p coin featuring a rotation error that could make it worth "big money". The coin, released to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of children's author Beatrix Potter, has around 10,000 examples in UK circulation with the rare flaw.
What is the rotation error?
In a TikTok post, the @CoinCollectingWizard explained that if the Queen is flipped upside down on this 50p coin, it is worth "big money". He said: "This 50p is an error all because the design is facing the wrong way. The error that's left the Queen's head in a different direction on the obverse design of the Benjamin Bunny on the reverse will have happened in the minting process."
To check for the error, holders of a Benjamin Bunny 50p should flip the coin over and see whether the Queen is facing in a different direction to the character. Despite being an error coin, it remains legal tender in the UK.
How to find the coin
The expert added: "That means you can easily come across one in your change. Often, error coins can sell for a lot more than their face value. So this is definitely something you need to be looking for as it can be easily missed."
Released as part of the Beatrix Potter collection, the 2017 coin has a total mintage of 25 million. The Royal Mint issued it along with three other characters: Peter Rabbit, Tom Kitten and Mr Jeremy Fisher.
Coin's value and design
Crafted by sculptor Emma Noble, the coin depicts Benjamin Bunny wearing his trademark oversized tam-o'-shanter hat and little jacket. While prices of £4,000 or more are occasionally advertised, these coins typically sell for between £20 and £50 on eBay.
