People are being urged to check their spare change, as some rare £2 coins still in circulation are being sold for up to £8,000.
Hidden Treasures in Everyday Change
Often described as 'hidden treasures lurking in everyday change', certain £2 coins are highly sought after by collectors and could be worth far more than their face value if you're lucky enough to find one.
The Royal Mint has revealed its list of the rarest circulating £2 coins, including designs released between 2002 and 2015, with thousands still believed to be in circulation across the UK. Depending on the coin's rarity, condition and any unique features, some have been listed on eBay for anywhere between £2,000 and £8,000.
But they're not the only valuable £2 coins to keep an eye out for. Other designs not included in The Royal Mint's list, including some William Shakespeare commemorative coins, have also been listed online for between £600 and £2,000.
Olympic Games Handover 2008
Mintage: 918,000. Designed by Thomas T. Docherty, this coin marks the handover of the Olympic Games from Beijing to London. It features the Olympic flag being passed from one hand to another, with "Beijing 2008" and "London 2012" on either side. Around the edge is the inscription: "I CALL UPON THE YOUTH OF THE WORLD."
Olympic Games 2008
Mintage: 910,000. Issued to celebrate 100 years since the 1908 London Olympic Games, this coin also looked ahead to London hosting the Games again in 2012. The design features a running track with the years 1908 and 2008 incorporated into the lanes. Around the edge is the inscription: "THE 4TH OLYMPIAD LONDON."
Olympic Games Handover 2012
Mintage: 845,000. Released to mark the handover of the Olympic Games from London to Rio de Janeiro, this coin shows a baton being passed between two hands, accompanied by the UK and Brazilian flags. Like its 2008 predecessor, it bears the inscription: "I CALL UPON THE YOUTH OF THE WORLD."
Commonwealth Games Scotland 2002
Mintage: 771,750. One of four Commonwealth Games designs released in 2002, the Scotland edition features a figure holding a banner alongside the Scottish flag. The edge inscription reads: "SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP, MANCHESTER 2002."
Commonwealth Games England 2002
Mintage: 650,000. The England version is one of the rarer Commonwealth Games coins. It features a figure in motion holding a banner alongside the St George's Cross.
Britannia Fifth Portrait 2015
Mintage: 650,000. Britannia returned to circulating £2 coins in 2015 for the first time since the Technology design was introduced in 1997. Designed by Antony Dufort, this first-year issue has become a favourite among collectors.
First World War Royal Navy 2015
Mintage: 650,000. Created to mark the centenary of the First World War, this coin honours the Royal Navy with a depiction of HMS Royal Oak. Designed by David Rowlands, it carries the edge inscription: "THE SURE SHIELD OF BRITAIN."
Commonwealth Games Wales 2002
Mintage: 588,500. Featuring a victorious athlete alongside the Welsh flag, the Wales edition is the second rarest coin in the Commonwealth Games collection and one of the hardest £2 coins to find.
Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland 2002
Mintage: 485,500. Topping the list is the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games £2 coin. Featuring the Ulster Banner alongside a triumphant athlete, only 485,500 entered circulation, making it the rarest £2 coin on this list and a prized find for collectors.
