A Benjamin Bunny 50p coin featuring a rotation error could be worth significantly more than its face value, according to coin experts. The coin, issued to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Beatrix Potter's birth, has gained attention online because the Queen's head appears inverted on the obverse design.
The Error Explained
In a TikTok video, @CoinCollectingWizard explained that if the Queen appears upside down on this 50p, 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."
The error occurred during the minting process, causing the Queen's head to face a different direction than the character on the reverse. Despite being classified as an error coin, it remains legal tender throughout the UK.
How to Check Your Change
If you have a Benjamin Bunny 50p, you should turn it over to check whether the Queen is oriented differently to the character. The expert noted that error coins often sell for more than face value, saying: "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."
The coin was issued by the Royal Mint in 2017 as part of the Beatrix Potter collection, which also included Peter Rabbit, Tom Kitten, and Mr Jeremy Fisher. Designed by sculptor Emma Noble, it features Benjamin Bunny wearing his signature oversized tam-o'-shanter hat and small jacket.
Mintage and Value
The 2017 coin has a total mintage of 25 million, and the rare rotation error has around 10,000 in UK circulation. While some valuations of £4,000 or higher are listed, these coins generally sell for approximately £20 to £50 on eBay.
