A rare 50p coin has sold for £250 on eBay, 500 times its face value. The coin, known as the Blue Peter 50p, was listed as being sold from Glasgow.
Issued in 2009 to commemorate the 2012 London Olympic Games, the coin features a portrait of the Queen on the obverse and a high jumper design on the reverse. The reverse was designed by eight-year-old Florence Jackson, whose entry won a Blue Peter competition that attracted 17,000 submissions.
According to coin collecting site 50pence.co.uk, only 100,000 of these coins were minted in 2009. They were not released into general circulation but were sold in collector's packs. However, some later entered circulation, so it is worth checking your change.
The eBay listing, titled '2009 Blue Peter 50p London 2012 Olympic Games Winner’s Edition Very Rare BUNC', ended on July 4 after a single bid of £250. Other listings have starting prices as high as £300.
Collectors should note that a 2011 version of the coin exists and is far less valuable due to a higher mintage.
