Brits are urged to be on the lookout for an ultra-rare penny that could fetch over £100,000. A coin expert shared his insights after spotting the sought-after 1933 1p piece listed on eBay with a staggering price tag of £120,000.
This particular penny is scarce due to the fact that it’s believed only six or seven were produced by the Royal Mint. The coin’s reverse features Britannia holding a trident, while the obverse bears the likeness of King George V.
The Royal Mint’s website explains: “No record was kept at the time of how many pennies dated 1933 were made but it is thought to be no more than six or seven. With no precise record of the number made, and with the coin having been struck to ordinary circulation standard, it seemed possible that one might turn up in everyday use, prompting a generation to search their change for the rare but ultimately elusive penny of 1933.”
Considered among the UK’s most valuable and coveted coins, one such penny commanded a handsome sum of £72,000 at a London auction back in 2016. However, taking to the social media platform TikTok, a guru known as the Coin Collecting Wizard revealed to his audience that he had “finally” come across one of these elusive coins on eBay.
He said: “Well, it has finally happened. A 1933 penny has appeared on eBay currently at £120,000. Have you ever heard about the 1933 penny?”
He delved deeper, revealing: “Generations of people searched through their change in the hope of finding one.” This coin, if authentic, could shatter the long-held belief that only seven such coins existed.
“Experts have always worked on the assumption that only seven such coins were minted,” he added. “And if genuine, this one would be worth at least £100,000.”
“By yesterday, bidding had reached a little over £90,000, while the owner listed as Suzanne X failed to respond to email requests for more information.” His video was uploaded on May 7, and at the time of reporting, the listing on eBay seemed to have been removed.
He also shared: “The Royal Mint had no plans to make any pennies in 1933 because there were already plenty around. However, a small number were produced following requests for a commemorative coin.
“Experts have always worked on the basis there were seven. Assuming the coin is genuine, the owner could be sitting on a life-changing amount.”
Yet, he cautioned collectors, saying: “However, coin collectors are always wary that criminals might be trying to cash in by creating fakes.”