An expert has urged Brits to check their change for a rare coin that one version sold for £62,000 at auction
An expert shared details of a rare coin worth over £60,000(Image: Getty)
Brits are being urged to examine their loose change “now” for a “tiny coin” that could be worth tens of thousands of pounds. According to one expert, this “legendary” piece has previously fetched £62,000 at auction.
In a clip shared on social media platform TikTok, a specialist known as the Coin Collecting Wizard advised viewers to search for a particular coin dating from 1945. Referred to as a threepence, or thruppence, this denomination was valued at a quarter of a shilling.
Yet, depending on which variety you possess, it could now command a substantially higher price. The particular coin highlighted by the specialist is an exceptionally scarce silver threepence.
He said: “£60,000 for an old threepence. You need to check your coins now.
“This tiny coin is worth £60,000. That’s right.
“This is the legendary 1945 silver threepence. And it’s one of the rarest and most valuable British coins ever. Here’s the story.”
The coin displays the portrait of King George VI on its obverse (heads side), whilst the reverse (tails side) shows a St George’s cross superimposed over a Tudor rose.
He outlined what makes this coin so remarkable. “By 1945, the UK had switched to using a brass threepence for everyday use,” he said.
“But a tiny handful of silver versions were struck, possibly by mistake or for special purposes. And now only a few are known to exist.” Specialists at Coin World revealed that 1945 marked the final year silver threepences were produced.
They subsequently became obsolete due to the launch of the nickel-brass alternative and were “ordered to be melted down, its silver to be used in other mint products”.
The Coin Collecting Wizard explained: “Less than 10 authentic examples have ever been found. And when they show up at auction, they send collectors into a frenzy.”
During 2020, one specimen of this coin fetched £62,000 at auction. He remarked: “One of these rare coins sold for a staggering £62,000. Think you might have one?
“Here’s how to check. Look for the year 1945.
“That’s your golden, or should I say silver, ticket. So if you’re lucky enough to find one, you could be holding a small fortune. Good luck and happy hunting.”