The coin is so rare experts didn’t realise it existed until one version came to auction back in 1997
A specialist has advised Brits to keep an eye out for one of the nation’s most elusive coins. This exceptionally coveted penny could fetch up to £200,000 from enthusiasts.
In a clip shared on TikTok, a numismatic expert known as the Coin Collecting Wizard detailed what collectors should search for. He identified the treasure as the 1952 proof penny. Proof coins differ from those you would find in circulation as they are special early samples of a coin issue. They are also the highest quality of coin a mint produces.
This particular proof coin was minted shortly before King George VI’s death in 1952, enhancing its worth considerably. The Coin Collecting Wizard said: “£200,000 for this old penny.
“This is a UK penny from 1952. This intriguing proof coin is the rarest proof penny of the entire series of copper and bronze pennies.
“The existence of this unique 1952 proof penny was not known publicly until its initial appearance at numismatic auction in October of 1997 some 45 years after it was struck.
“The British numismatic world was astonished to see this coin appear and in proof quality as this was not known to exist.” At that auction, it sold for £23,468 – equivalent to nearly £47,000 by today’s standards.
The expert continued: “The 1952 proof penny remains an enigma as the only unique proof striking of a pre-decimal penny of the 20th century. It is perhaps understandable that the George the sixth in 1952 proof penny remains a unique piece as the king died very early in 1952 passing away on sixth of February.
“A lovely example went up for auction recently and sold for £200,000. So it is 100 per cent a coin to look out for.” Experts at Sovereign Rarities added: “It is perhaps understandable that the George VI 1952 proof penny remains a unique piece, as the King died very early in 1952 passing away on 6th February.
“Only the smaller denominations of currency coins that were in great demand were struck for circulation in 1952, with the larger denominations omitted in anticipation of a new reign and a new coinage for Queen Elizabeth II.”
Pre-decimal pennies measure 31mm in diameter and are made from bronze. The 1952 proof penny displays King George VI’s portrait on its front face, accompanied by the Latin inscription “GEORGIVS VI D: G: BR: OMN: REX FIDEI DEF”.
The reverse side shows Britannia seated alongside a heraldic shield and trident, bearing the inscription “ONE PENNY 1952”.