A COIN expert has revealed that an ordinary-looking 2p piece could actually be worth some serious money.
However, it has to have been minted in a particular year – 1983 – and have the words “New Pence” on it.
After decimalisation in 1971 and up to 1981 all new coins carried the wording “New Pence” in order to mark the change from pounds, shillings and pence.
From 1981 onwards, new coins simply stated the value of the coin, such as “Two Pence”.
However a blunder by the Royal Mint in 1983 meant that some 2p coins were pressed with the wording “New Pence” in error.
That mistake, coupled with that only a few were made before the error was spotted means they are highly prized by collectors.
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British coin specialist Oliver Reece, from dealer AH Baldwin & Sons, told The Sun Online: “There aren’t really any rare or valuable coins currently in circulation. Not in our lifetime at least.”
He added: “There’s the Kew Gardens 50p coin which is worth around £60 and the 1983 ‘New Pence’ 2p coin.
“It must be dated 1983 and have the wording ‘New Pence’.
“Any value would be dependent on what condition the coin is in but it could be worth hundreds of pounds.”
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One penny coins were also minted after 1981 with the words ‘New Pence’ on them but they were made in such large numbers that they are only really worth their face value – 1p.
Mr Reece also had a warning for anyone being dazzled by hefty price tags being attached to coins which were being sold via online sites.
He said: “Just because they’re being sold on sites like eBay doesn’t mean they’ll be sold for that price.”
Anyone can list a coin on sites like eBay and charge whatever amount they wish, but it's only ever worth what someone is willing to pay.
If you do come across what you think is a rare coin and want to sell it there are a number of options open to you.
You can sell it on eBay or through Facebook – but be wary of the risks.
For example, there are a number of scams targeting sellers on Facebook.
Crooks may say they're planning to buy the item, and ask for money upfront for a courier they'll be sending around.
But it's just a ruse to get you to send free cash to them – and they never have any intention of picking your item up.
It's always best to meet in person when buying or selling on Facebook Marketplace.
Ensure it's a public meeting spot that's in a well-lit area, avoid payment links and log in directly through the payment method's website.
Most sellers prefer to deal with cash directly when meeting to ensure it's legitimate.
The safest way to sell a rare coin is more than likely at auction or through a specialist dealer.
You can also get help through The Royal Mint's Collectors Service.
It has a team of experts who can help you authenticate and value your coin.
You can get in touch via email and a member of the valuation team will get back to you.
There is a fee for the service though, with the cost varying depending on the size of your collection.
Elsewhere, a treasure hunter has unearthed two rare medieval coins –which sold for £17,000.
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