A coin expert has urged Brits to check their pockets for a rare 1983 2p coin
An expert explained that a certain 2p coin could be worth £1,000(Image: Getty)
People are being urged to “stop right now” and examine their loose change for a scarce coin that could fetch £1,000. A particular 2p piece dating back to 1983 is exceptionally valuable and might command significantly more than its nominal worth.
These coins are especially coveted owing to a mistake made by the Royal Mint during production. Minted in 1983, they mistakenly display the inscription “new pence” rather than “two pence”.
This occurred because all 2p coins manufactured between 1971 and 1981 carried the “new pence” designation. Whilst this was subsequently amended to “two pence” in 1982, a handful were struck incorrectly.
In footage posted to social media platform TikTok, a specialist known as the Coin Collecting Wizard, said: “Stop right now. Did you know a 2p coin can be worth thousands? Do you own this coin worth £1,000?
“If you own this coin from 1983 you can sell it for £1,000 today.”
He elaborated: “Do you have a 1983 2p coin with the words ‘new pence’ on? If you do have this exact coin, then you have found it.
“This is what you are looking for. It must be a two pence coin from 1983 and with the words ‘new pence’.”
He displayed a photograph of a collection of coins. “The coin was a mistake in the 1983 Royal Mint set and as you can see my set unfortunately doesn’t have it as it says ‘two pence’,” he added.
“So make sure to check all 1983 sets as you might just find it.” He said: “Just remember you are looking for 1983 ‘new pence’.”
The specialist continued: “Do you have a lot of change to look through? You could be sitting on a gold mine.”
Coin valuation professionals at Change Checker, also speaking via TikTok, have suggested these particular coins might fetch approximately £1,000.
They explained: “In 1982 the design of the 2p coin changed from saying ‘new pence’ to ‘two pence’. “However, some coins struck in 1983 used the old reverse die and therefore have the old inscription of ‘new pence’.
Therefore, it’s worth examining your new pence 2p coins for the 1983 date, as it could be worth as much as £1,000. ” According to The Royal Mint’s website : “In 1983 a small number of 2p coins were mistakenly struck with the wording ‘new pence’ on the reverse.
“These coins were produced to brilliant uncirculated quality – a standard higher than ordinary circulating coins – and were included in special sets intended for collectors.
“Since there are relatively few coins with the date 1983 and the inscription ‘new pence’ in circulation, they may well have a value higher than face value to a collector. The Royal Mint is, however, unable to comment on the value of any individual coin and we would recommend that you should consult a coin dealer.”