Exclusive:
A coin expert has published a new book titled Coin Hunting: Rare and Error UK Coins, which details the spare change which could net you a small fortune
The top ten UK error coins have been revealed in a new book – with one of them worth up to £1,000.
Colin Bellamy, who runs the popular Coin Hunter website, has published a new book titled Coin Hunting: Rare and Error UK Coins, which details the spare change which could net you a small fortune. Most of the coins mentioned could be found in change.
Error coins can be particularly valuable to collectors as they could be a one-off, or one of very few – but a coin is only ever worth what someone is willing to pay for it. If you’re planning on buying a coin, be aware of fakes being sold on eBay so you don’t get scammed out of money.
You can get coins verified by the Royal Mint to check they’re the real deal. It is hard for the Royal Mint to say exactly how many error coins could be in circulation, as it manufactures between three million and four million coins a day. But mistakes do happen – so it’s worth keeping an eye out in your spare change for anything unusual.
Colin said: “It’s always worthwhile checking change and the coins you have at home for the rarer designs and errors, imagine spending a £2 coin which would have sold for £1,000. The first UK error coin book will show you how to spot and profit from genuine errors.”
Undated 20p – worth £50
The “undated“ or “mule” 20p is popular with collectors as there is no date in either side of this coin. The massive flaw was caused when the Royal Mint changed its design back in 2008, and the date that is minted on the coin was moved from the back to the front.
But in some cases, the old die was accidentally used – meaning some coins were released with no date on either side of the coin. Coin Hunter says the average sale price for this coin is around £50, with up to 250,000 in circulation.
1983 New Pence 2p – worth £800
All 2p coins printed between 1971 and 1981 had “new pence” printed on them – after that, the writing changed to “two pence”. But in 1983, a small number of coins were mistakenly struck with the words “new pence” – and these are valuable to collectors.
In 1983, 2p coins were only struck for commemorative sets and not issued for circulation, but it is estimated around 1,000 could have been minted. Coin Hunter puts the average price for this coin at £800.
First World War Centenary Navy £2 – worth £6
This coin was released in 2015 to pay tribute to the Royal Navy. It came as part of a wider set to mark the centenary of the First World War. The original version shows a mast without any further detailing on the right hand side.
However, some were minted in error with a mark that makes it look like they have a flying flag. Coin Hunter puts the mintage at 20,000 and the average sale price at £6.
Shakespeare Tragedies £2 – worth £25
The Shakespeare Tragedies coin was minted to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare and features an iconic skull and rose design. The edge inscription on this coin should read “what a piece of work is a man”, but some coins have the words “for King and country” that was used for a different £2 coin.
Coin Hunter estimates 15,000 of these coins could have the wrong inscription and therefore be worth substantially more than their face value. If you find one, it could be worth £25.
Benjamin Bunny 50p – worth £35
This particular coin features the cute Beatrix Potter character Benjamin Button and was first released in 2017. When you flip over a coin, the Queen’s head should be facing the same way as the design on the other side.
But some versions of this coin show the Queen’s head is tilted on the obverse when you switch the coin around. Coin Hunter puts the number in circulation at 20,000 and says it could be worth £35.
First World War Centenary £2 – worth £1,000
Another £2 coin that was launched to mark the centenary of the First World War could be worth a small fortune if you find one where the words “Two Pounds” are missing on the head side.
The coin features an image of Lord Kitchener who was a prominent British war figure. Coin Hunter says it is unclear how many of these error coins there could be, but says some have previously sold for £1,000.
Britannia £2 – £60
This is another example of a rotation error, where the Queen’s head is not facing the way it should. The coin features an interpretation of the Britannia design by Antony Dufort.
Coin Hunter puts the number of these in circulation at 10,000 and says the average sale price is £60.
2016/17 dual date £1 – £200
The new 12-sided design of the £1 coin was introduced in March 2017. However, some have been minted with both 2016 and 2017 on them. In the example above, you can see 2016 minted on the Queen’s head side of the coin, but 2017 has also been printed around the outside of the flipped side.
Coin Hunter says it is unclear how many of these could be in circulation but says they could be worth £200.
Nations of the Crown £1 – £120
This error £1 coin has a misaligned core, which means the silver coloured centre of the pound coin bleeds into the outer ring. All new £1 coins are made with two metal rings – the outside is made from nickel-brass, while the inside is nickel plated brass alloy.
The error makes it look like a fried egg – and very valuable to collectors. Coin Hunter estimates there could be 5,000 of these, and they could be worth £120.
Bronze 20p – worth £250
Experts say a 1p “blank” found its way into the presses and a 20p was accidentally struck onto it, giving it this broze colour. As well as being the wrong colour, you’ll notice that the edging of the coin is more round than a typical 20p.
It’s thought that this 20p is so rare, that it could be the only one in circulation. Coin Hunter says it could be worth £250.
