An expert revealed exactly how to spot these sought-after pieces
Brits are being encouraged to keep an eye out for three specific 50p coins currently in circulation, which could collectively be worth over £2,000. According to a coin expert, these particular coins are highly sought after.
In a video shared on TikTok, a specialist known as the Coin Collecting Wizard provided some insight into what to look for. He stated: “Some 50ps that can make you rich. Comment now if you have any.”
He first advised viewers to watch out for a 2017 coin featuring Beatrix Potter’s character Benjamin Bunny on its reverse side (the tail side). However, it’s only particularly valuable if it has a certain minting error where the Queen’s head on the obverse side is facing the wrong direction.
“The 2017 Benjamin Bunny 50p is usually just worth face value unless you have a rare rotation error version,” he explained. “The error Benjamin Bunny coin has the Queen’s head printed facing the wrong direction.
“When a coin is flipped over the Queen’s head should be facing to the left. But on a rotation error coin this would be different.”
He added that if you possess the error version of this coin, you could fetch “around £30”. The most expensive coin he mentioned in the video is reportedly worth £2,000.
This coin, known as the aquatics coin, was minted in 2011 to commemorate the upcoming 2012 London Olympics and features the image of a swimmer’s face. But you need to check carefully to see if the face is covered by lines meant to represent water.
If it does, this is a rare version of this coin that collectors will want to get their hands on. The expert continued: “If you find an aquatic 50p error coin with lines over the face it could be worth a small fortune.
“A small handful of this original design was put into circulation but it was then adapted very quickly to show the face above the water. With so few of the original design out there it’s meant the coin’s value has been pushed up significantly.”
Finally, he explained more about another Olympics coin. He advised people to look for the athletics 50p coin.
This features the image of a high jumping athlete and was designed by a child as part of a competition. In the case of this coin you need to pay close attention to the year it was minted. He added:. “Around 2.2 million of the athletics 50p coin was minted and released into circulation in 2011.
“But this earlier version was minted in 2009 and is more valuable to collectors. If you have this coin dated 2009 then you have found it and can sell for £250 plus.”