Have you ever thought your loose change might be worth more than you think? A rare 20p coin recently made headlines for selling for 250 times its face value, which means it could be worth £50 or even more! The Britannia Coin Company calls it the “holy grail” of coin collecting. This article will explain why this 20p coin is so valuable and how you can check if you have one hiding in your home.
What Makes This 20p Coin Special?
In 2008, a printing error occurred at the Royal Mint, causing some 20p coins to be struck without a year on them. Normally, coins have a date that shows when they were made, but these rare ones do not. Only about 250,000 of these error coins were produced, making them very desirable among collectors.
The Story Behind the Coin
The error happened because an old design was used with a new back design, known as the royal shield of arms. The old design, called the Tudor rose, had the date on either side of the crown. But when the Mint switched to the new design, they moved the date to the opposite side for most of the 20p coins. Unfortunately, they forgot to include it on a small number of coins, creating a rare collectible!
How Much Is It Worth?
Some people have sold this special 20p coin for around £50, which is 250 times more than its regular value. There have been reports of similar coins selling for even higher prices, up to £70! If you find one, it might just be your ticket to a small fortune.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Face Value | £0.20 |
| Value with Error | Up to £70 |
| Approximate Circulation | 250,000 error coins |
| Year of Minting | 2008 |
| Design Types | Old Tudor Rose / Royal Shield |
| Current Market Value | £50 to £70 |
Signs of Wear
Even though these coins have been circulated, showing signs of use, the missing date is what sets them apart. Most coins in circulation will have scratches and other wear, but that doesn’t affect their value too much. Collectors are usually more interested in the rarity of the coin and the unique error rather than its physical condition.
How to Spot the Rare Coin
If you want to check your change for this rare 20p coin, follow these steps:
- Check the Year: Look closely at the coin. If it has no date, it might be one of the rare ones.
- Feel for Wear: Check for the typical wear and tear from being in wallets or cash registers. This is common for coins that have been used.
- Get It Appraised: If you think you’ve found a rare coin, consider having it looked at by a professional appraiser to determine its value.
Conclusion
Finding a rare 20p coin without a date can make you a lot of money. It’s exciting to think that some loose change might be worth more than just a few pennies! These coins are called the “holy grail” of change collecting because they are so unique and hard to find. If you search your couch or pockets, you might discover a valuable piece of history that could be worth a significant amount. So, keep an eye out for that special 20p coin—who knows what you might find!
FAQ’s
What is the “holy grail” 20p coin?
The “holy grail” 20p coin refers to a rare undated coin minted in 2008. It is highly sought after by collectors and can sell for up to 250 times its face value due to a printing error.
How can I tell if my 20p coin is valuable?
To check if your 20p coin is valuable, look for one without a date on it. If you find one, it may be one of the rare error coins worth £50 or more. Also, inspect the coin for signs of wear that are typical for circulated change.
Why is the undated 20p coin so valuable?
The undated 20p coin is valuable because only about 250,000 were minted without a date due to a design error. This rarity makes it highly desirable to collectors, leading to prices much higher than its face value.