4 Other Coins That Are Worth Thousands: Imagine digging loose change from your pocket and discovering that it’s worth $45 million! While there are slim possibilities, there have been some extraordinary coins floating around that are still worth thousands. Coin collecting or numismatics has gained speed recently with surprising discoveries and valuable coins appearing at the most surprising of places. Here is the guide to identify rare coins, what they’re worth, and how to recognize them in your regular change.
Whether you’re a casual coin hunter or considering getting serious about collecting, knowing how to recognize these rare coins can be both fun and financially rewarding.
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 worthwhile, thousands—or even million-dollar—rare coin is thrilling but possible with diligent scrutiny of your change. Sort through your coins regularly and be aware of what to anticipate may uncover hidden treasures in plain sight. Verify authenticity using reputable sources and proceed with your options cautiously if you do choose to sell.
Rare Coins Worth Thousands: A Detailed Guide
Finding a unique coin in your normal pocket change isn’t as unlikely as it seems. Let’s take a closer look at four valuable coins that are out in circulation today, detailing their rarity, worth, and how to identify them.
1. 2009 Kew Gardens 50p Coin
The Kew Gardens 50p was minted in 2009 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the world-famous Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. It was only minted in 210,000 coins and is therefore very scarce and much sought after by collectors.
- Value: Typically sells for £150-£200, but mint condition ones have been sold for as much as £700 on sites like eBay.
How to Identify It:
- Look for the distinctive design of the Kew Gardens Pagoda.
- See the dates “1759–2009” down the bottom.
- Search again for this coin on The Royal Mint.
2. 2008 Undated 20p Coin
A 2008 mishap at The Royal Mint involved the manufacture of as many as 250,000 dateless coins. They are typically known as “mule” coins because two incongruous sides were accidentally put together.
- Value: They generally sell for anywhere between £50-£72 each.
4 More Rarer Coins Worth Thousands Spot It
- Examine your 20p coins carefully, especially the sides.
- If neither side bears a date (usually on the heads side), you might have a mistake coin that is worth money.
3. 2012 Olympic Aquatics 50p Error Coin
To commemorate the 2012 London Olympics, a set of commemorative 50p coins was produced. A limited run featuring the Aquatics design had a printing mistake, where water lines ran over the face of the swimmer unintentionally. The coins were quickly withdrawn from circulation and are hence very rare.
- Value: The error coins have sold for as much as £245.
4 More Rare Coins Worth Thousands Spot It
- Look carefully at the swimmer; genuine error coins will exhibit clear waves or lines across the face.
4. 2009 Blue Peter 50p Coin
The Blue Peter 50p coin was designed by a winning competition young designer on the BBC kids’ show, Blue Peter, to mark the London Olympics. Its low first issue makes it worth a lot of money.
- Potential Value: Regularly fetches over £200 on the internet.
4 More Rare Coins Worth Thousands Spot It
- Look for a high jumper model that has the year “2009” clearly shown.
Practical Tips for Discovering Rare Coins
It requires a little patience, a keen eye, and some understanding of what to look for:
- Examine Regularly: Check regularly the coins you receive in change or have in your pocket.
- Minting Errors: Coins with printing errors, incorrect details, or missing features are worth more.
- Limited Editions: Commemorative coins celebrating specific events or anniversaries typically entail fewer coins produced.
- Condition Counts: Coins in good condition, with clean features and minimal scratches, command the highest prices.
What Should You Do if You Find a Rare Coin?
If you discover a coin you believe could be rare, follow these steps to authenticate and possibly sell your find:
- Authenticate Your Coin:
- Find qualified coin collectors or professional numismatists to authenticate.
- Websites like The Royal Mint provide useful information.
- Establish Condition and Value:
- Condition contributes greatly to the value, so get your coin professionally graded.
- Sell or Keep:
- Think about whether instant cash or long-term investment is more conducive to your goals.
Internet sites like eBay or specialized coin auctions are popular places to sell.
FAQ’s
Q. How can I tell if my coin is valuable?
A. Look for limited editions, mint errors, historical significance, and refer to professional numismatic guides.
Q. Will cleaning coins increase their value?
A. No. Cleaning coins usually decreases their value, as it damages the original surface and can remove collectible patina.
Q. Where can I sell rare coins?
A. Consider using reputable online platforms, expert coin dealers, auctions, or local coin shows.
Q. Are all old coins valuable?
A. Not necessarily. Value is not necessarily guaranteed through age—rarity, condition, and historic significance are foremost.
Q. Are collectible coins always valuable?
A. Not always. Their value generally relies on rarity, demand, and condition.