A leading coin expert is urging people across the United Kingdom to sift through their spare change this January, as three specific 50p pieces could be hiding fortunes in plain sight. According to the popular Instagram account @CoinCollectingWizard, which has more than 36,000 followers, certain rare or error coins can fetch hundreds or even thousands of pounds from eager collectors.
The Three Valuable 50p Coins To Hunt For
The first coin highlighted is the 2017 Benjamin Bunny 50p. While most of these coins are only worth their face value, a rare rotation error version is highly sought after. On this error coin, the Queen's head is printed facing the wrong direction. Normally, when a coin is flipped vertically, the monarch's portrait should face left. On the error version, this orientation is incorrect. The expert states that this rare find can command around £30.
Next is a coin from the celebrated London 2012 Olympic Games collection: the Aquatics 50p. The valuable version is not the common one, but an early design that features lines across the swimmer's face. "It could be worth a small fortune like £2,000," the expert revealed. Only a small number of these original designs entered circulation before the design was swiftly altered to show the face clearly above the water, making the early version exceptionally rare and valuable.
The third coin is also from the Olympic series: the Athletics 50p. Although approximately 2.2 million of these coins were minted and released in 2011, collectors should look for an earlier version dated 2009. If you discover one with this earlier date, you could potentially sell it for £250 or more.
What To Do If You Find a Rare Coin
If you believe you have found one of these valuable pieces, it is crucial to follow specific steps to preserve its worth.
Protect the coin immediately. Handle it with extreme care by the edges. You must never clean the coin, as cleaning can cause scratches and damage that will drastically reduce its value. Place it in a protective coin holder or a soft envelope to keep it safe.
Have the coin verified by a professional. Before getting too excited, contact a reputable coin expert or dealer who can validate its authenticity and rarity. It is also wise to conduct your own research to understand the coin's potential market.
Contact multiple reputable dealers to sell. If you decide to sell, visit well-established local coin shops or dealerships. Do not accept the first offer you receive; instead, seek opinions and valuations from several dealers to ensure you get the best possible price for your rare find.
With money-saving being a top priority for many in the new year, taking a few moments to check your coin jar or wallet could result in an unexpected and significant windfall. The hunt for these rare 50p coins turns everyday spare change into a potential treasure trove.
