Could a humble 1p coin in your pocket be worth a small fortune? A rare minting error has turned an otherwise ordinary penny into a collector's dream, with some fetching thousands at auction.
The Valuable Mistake
In 1983, the Royal Mint accidentally produced a small number of 1p coins with the old 'New Pence' inscription instead of the correct 'One Penny'. This simple error has made these coins incredibly valuable to collectors.
How to Spot the Rare Coin
Check your change for these tell-tale signs:
- Dated 1983
- Features the words 'New Pence'
- Has the standard portrait of Queen Elizabeth II
What's It Worth?
While most 1983 pennies are worthless, the rare 'New Pence' versions can fetch:
- £100-£500 in good condition
- Up to £1,500 for uncirculated examples
- Record prices of over £8,000 at auction
Expert tip: Don't clean any coin you suspect might be valuable - this can significantly reduce its worth to collectors.
The Thrill of the Hunt
Coin experts recommend checking through old piggy banks and coin collections. You never know when you might stumble across this numismatic treasure hiding in plain sight.
