Time to empty your piggy banks and check your spare change! A specific 20p piece, distinguished by a barely noticeable minting mistake, has become a numismatic sensation, commanding prices of up to £200 on collector's markets.
The coin's value lies in a unique error where the design is struck slightly off-centre. This misalignment is the key feature that makes it so desirable to enthusiasts.
What Makes This 20p Coin So Special?
The coin in question is from a 2009 series that commemorated the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. While millions were minted correctly, a small batch was produced with this notable flaw.
The error is known as an "mule" or mis-strike, where the coin's obverse (heads side) and reverse (tails side) are not perfectly aligned during the striking process. This results in the outer rim appearing noticeably thicker on one side than the other.
How To Spot The Valuable Kew Gardens 20p
Identifying this hidden treasure requires a keen eye. Follow these steps to see if you're sitting on a small fortune:
- Check the date: Look for coins dated 2009.
- Identify the design: The reverse should feature the iconic Kew Gardens Pagoda design.
- Look for the error: Examine the coin's alignment. The tell-tale sign is an uneven rim, visibly thicker on one side due to the off-centre strike.
Even if your 2009 Kew Gardens 20p doesn't have the error, it still holds a premium value over its face value due to its relative scarcity and popularity among collectors.
A Lucrative Find For Lucky Owners
The combination of the already sought-after Kew Gardens design and the minting error creates a perfect storm for value. Online auction sites and dedicated coin forums have seen these error coins sell for significant sums.
Recent sales have seen examples fetch anywhere from £50 for a well-circulated coin to nearly £200 for a specimen in pristine, uncirculated condition. Its value is determined by its rarity and its state of preservation.
So, before you next hand over a handful of change for your morning coffee, take a quick glance—you might just be about to spend a small fortune without even knowing it.
