Pull out your spare coins from your pocket and imagine that it’s worth $45 million! While the chances are very slim, certain rare coins that circulate around might still be worth thousands. The numismatic hobby has garnered much interest recently somehow by shocking discoveries or the sporadic appearance of coins valuing undesirably. This article explains all about rare coins that one should look out for, ranging from getting a feel for their value to spotting them in pocket change.
As a casual coin seeker or someone thinking of getting more serious about collecting, knowing how to tell the rare coins will sure be fun and rewarding economically as well!
4 More Rare Coins Worth Thousands
| Coin Name | Rarity/Reason for Value | Potential Worth | Identification Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Kew Gardens 50p Coin | Limited mintage (210,000) | Up to £700 | Kew Gardens Pagoda encircled by vine |
| 2008 Undated 20p Coin | Minting error (no date) | Up to £72 | Missing date on both sides |
| 2012 Olympic Aquatics 50p Error Coin | Minting error (lines over swimmer) | Up to £245 | Lines crossing swimmer’s face |
| 2009 Blue Peter 50p Coin | Limited special edition | Over £200 | High jumper design, year “2009” |
| Official Resource | The Royal Mint | Visit for authentic coin verification |
Finding a very rare coin worth thousands or even millions can be quite exciting. However, the case may be that you will have to look through the change you use so unnoticeably each day. Keeping a tab on your coins regularly, knowing exactly what to look for, might yield any number of very high-value treasures that have been lying in plain sight for you. Use trusted sources to authenticate such pieces when solid consideration of selling some of them is determined.
Rare Coins Worth Thousands: The Complete Guide
You won’t find a rare coin in your pocket change every other day. This is, indeed, true. But here, we are not talking about just that; and this let’s unravel the further complicated details of four valuable coins that go well with today’s circulation and figure out their rarity, value and on how to spot them.
1. 2009 Kew Gardens 50p Coin
Minted in 2009 to commemorate the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew’s 250th anniversary, the Kew Gardens 50p coin was made in a limited mintage of only 210,000 – thus, it is extremely rare and sought after by many collectors.
Potential Value: Generally sells for approximately £150-£200, but pristine examples have been noted to have gone as high as £700 on eBay.
How to Spot It:
- Look for the unique design that includes the Kew Gardens Pagoda.
- There will also be an inscription of the dates “1759-2009” around the base.
- These are all further downloadable items on this coin at The Royal Mint.
2. Undated 20p Coin, 2008
About 250,000 coins were erroneously released at The Royal Mint in 2008, and those coins were produced without a date. This has led to the new nomenclature of “mule” coins-most probably because of the combination of two mismatching sides, which is a result of the mix-up.
Potential Value: They usually sell for around 50 to 72.
4 More Rare Coins Worth Thousands Spot It:
Scrutinize your 20p coins closely, especially the sides.
If neither side carries a date (usually found on the heads side), you may have a valuable error coin.
3. 2012 Olympic Aquatics 50p Error Coin
Commemorative 50p coins were produced in preparation for the 2012 London Olympics. A small batch of coins featuring the Aquatics design suffered a printing error that involved water lines inappropriately crossing over the swimmer’s face. These coins were quickly withdrawn from circulation and are extremely rare.
Potential Value: Error coins have sold for as much as £245.
4 More Rare Coins Worth Thousands Spot It:
Study the swimmer carefully for any genuine error coins; waves or lines should be in clear relief across the face.
4. 2009 Blue Peter 50p Coin
The Blue Peter 50p coin was designed by a young competition winner on the BBC children’s show Blue Peter, celebrating the London Olympics. This initial limited release makes it desirable.
- Potential Value: Regularly sells for £200 and over on the online marketplace.
- 4 More Rare Coins Worth Thousands Spot It:
- Search for a high-jumper design with “2009” clearly indicated on it.
Practical Tips for Identifying Rare Coins
Finding rare coins involves a little patience, a keen eye, and knowing what to look for:
- Look Out for Constant Inspection: Try to check out the coins you receive as change or have lying around at home quite often.
- Errors in Minting: Such coins that bear a misprint, detail that has gone wrong, or the absence of a feature are more likely to be of higher value.
- Limited Edition: Commemorative coins for the honor of special events or anniversaries are generally issued in small numbers.
- Condition Counts: Coins in a superior condition, showing clear details and minor scratches, are most sought after and thus command the highest prices.
FAQs:
How can I tell if my coin is valuable?
Look for limited editions, minting errors, historical significance, and check professional numismatic resources.
Can cleaning coins increase their value?
No. Cleaning coins usually decreases their value, as it damages the original surface and can remove collectible patina.
Where can I sell rare coins?
Consider reputable online marketplaces, specialized coin dealers, auctions, or local coin shows.