Have you ever wondered if the coins in your pocket are worth more than their face value? You might be surprised to learn that some of the pence coins in circulation in the UK are rare and valuable, and could fetch a handsome sum from collectors. In this article, we will explore some of the most sought-after pence coins in the UK, and how to spot them.

The Girl Guide 50p Coin

The Girl Guide 50p coin was issued in 2010 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girlguiding UK, the largest girl-only organization in Britain. The coin features the Girlguiding UK logo, a trefoil that represents the threefold promise of the Guides: to be true to oneself, to serve the community, and to keep the Guide Law. The coin also has the words “Celebrating One Hundred Years of Girlguiding UK” and the denomination “50 Pence”.

The Girl Guide 50p coin is not very rare, as there were 7,410,090 of them minted. However, it is still popular among collectors, especially those who are interested in the history and culture of the UK. According to the Royal Mint, the Girl Guide 50p coin is ranked 59th in the list of the rarest 50p coins in circulation. The coin is worth around £3-£4 in circulated condition and around £6-£8 in uncirculated condition.

However, some sellers claim to have a very rare version of this coin, with the words “Centenary Girl Guiding” instead of “Celebrating One Hundred Years of Girlguiding UK”. This version is worth around £20-£25 in uncirculated condition.

The Rare 2p Coins

The 2p coin is one of the most common coins in the UK, but there are a few exceptions that are extremely rare and valuable. These are the 2p coins that were minted with errors or in low numbers, making them stand out from the rest. Here are some of the rare 2p coins that you should look out for:

The Silver 2p Coin: This is a 2p coin that was accidentally minted in silver instead of copper. It is believed that only a handful of these coins exist, and they are worth thousands of pounds—one of these coins, dated 2016, sold for over £1,350 on eBay in 2019.

The 1983 2p Coin: This is a 2p coin that has the words “New Pence” instead of “Two Pence” on the reverse. This error occurred in 1983 when the wording on the 2p coin was supposed to change. There were only a few of these coins minted, and they are worth up to £500 at auction.

The Original 1971 2p Coin: This is a 2p coin that was minted in 1971, the year when the UK switched to the decimal currency system. All the 2p coins minted between 1971 and 1981 had the words “New Pence” on them, but the 1971 coins have a special status as the first of their kind. They are worth around £5-£10 in circulated condition, and up to £50 in uncirculated condition.

The Copper-less 2p Error Coin: This is a 2p coin that was minted in nickel-plated steel instead of copper-plated steel. This was another error that resulted in a silvery-coloured 2p coin. One of these coins, dated 1992, fetched over £400 at auction in 2017.

How to Find Rare Pence Coins

If you are interested in finding rare pence coins, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances. Here are some tips:

Check your change: The easiest way to find rare pence coins is to check the coins you receive as a change from shops, vending machines, or other places. You never know what you might find in your pocket!

Use online tools: Many online tools can help you identify and value rare pence coins. For example, you can use the Change Checker website or app to see the rarity and worth of different coins and to swap or sell them with other collectors.

Visit coin fairs or auctions: Another way to find rare pence coins is to visit coin fairs or auctions, where you can browse, buy, or sell coins with other enthusiasts. You can also learn more about the history and features of different coins from experts and dealers.

Join a coin club or society: If you want to meet other people who share your passion for coins, you can join a coin club or society, where you can exchange information, tips, and stories about rare pence coins. You can also participate in events, competitions, and publications related to coins.

Conclusion

Rare pence coins are more than just pieces of metal. They are also pieces of history, culture, and art that can tell us a lot about the UK and its people. They can also be a fun and rewarding hobby, as well as a potential source of income.

If you are curious about rare pence coins, why not start looking for them today? You might discover some hidden treasures in your pocket!