Britons are being urged to rummage through their pockets and check their spare change after an expert revealed that certain old penny coins could be worth a combined fortune exceeding £206,000.
The Coin Collecting Wizard's Valuable List
In a viral TikTok video, a specialist known as the Coin Collecting Wizard highlighted a series of highly sought-after UK pennies that collectors are desperate to find. He captivated his audience by stating, "You, yes, you stop what you are doing and listen. Did you know there are old pennies worth thousands of pounds?"
All the coins on his list feature the date, the words "one penny", and an image of Britannia holding a trident on the reverse (tail) side. The expert provided a detailed breakdown of their potential auction values.
The most valuable coins to look for include:
- 1918 penny with a KN mint mark: Valued between £30 and £600.
- 1950 penny: Estimated to be worth between £30 and £70.
- 1875 H penny: Could fetch between £100 and £3,000.
- 1919 KN penny: Has a potential value of up to £2,000.
- 1951 penny: Worth between £50 and £100.
- 1912 penny with an H mint mark: Valued at around £5.
- 1902 penny with a low tide: Estimated at £500.
- 1894 penny: Worth around £160.
- 1918 H penny in great condition: Could be worth over £150.
- 1882 H penny: Valued at over £200.
The Crown Jewel: The 1933 Penny
The Coin Collecting Wizard drew special attention to one of the United Kingdom's rarest numismatic treasures: the 1933 penny. He stated this particular coin is worth "over £2,000", but its historical significance often drives its price far higher.
This coin is exceptionally rare because the Royal Mint produced only an estimated six or seven examples. The reverse showcases Britannia wielding a trident, while the obverse features a portrait of King George V.
The Royal Mint Museum's website confirms its elusive status, noting, "No record was kept at the time of how many pennies dated 1933 were made but it is thought to be no more than six or seven." This scarcity once prompted a nationwide hunt through everyday change.
This rarity is reflected in its auction performance. As reported by the Antiques Trade Gazette, one 1933 penny sold at auction in 2016 for a staggering £127,000.
A Word of Caution for Collectors
While the potential rewards are exciting, the Coin Collecting Wizard issued an important note of caution for aspiring treasure hunters. He emphasised that a coin's value is not guaranteed and hinges entirely on two critical factors.
"So yes, there are pennies worth money but it all depends on the date and condition of these coins," he advised.
His final instruction was simple: "Do you have any old pennies? If so then check the dates." Your next find in an old jar or a handful of change could be more valuable than you ever imagined.