Check your change for this 50p coin (Image: Getty)
Certain coins can truly astonish you – take this particular 50p coin which is reportedly “worth a lot of money” – and it all hinges on one specific date. It is typically rare coins that generate the greatest interest, owing to either limited mintage figures or minting errors.
Before you rummage through your spare change, it is well worth scrutinising your money more closely, as collectors are prepared to pay a considerable sum for this 50p. Indeed, it could command as much as £40,000 – though it requires identifying a “minuscule” feature that sets the coin apart from ordinary versions.
So could you be sitting on one?
According to @CoinCollectingWizard, who boasts an impressive 270,000 followers on TikTok, you will need to examine the date carefully on the rare Brexit 50p piece.
He explained: “£40,000 for this 50p, yeah that’s right £40,000 but you must pay attention on what to look for.
“So let’s start from the beginning, this Brexit 50p from 2020 and as you can see it clearly has the Brexit date at the bottom of the coin. But did you know there is another date out there on this 50p and only a few have ever been found?”
How to Spot the Rare £40,000 Brexit 50p Coin Error
He went on: “If you find the Brexit 50p coin in your change which is most likely as millions were minted for circulation then all you need to do is check the date at the bottom of the coin.
“If your date says 31st January 2020 then this is just the regular common version worth 50p.
“But if you are super lucky and find one with a date other than 2020 such as this one from October 2019, then you have just found a super rare error coin and yes it is been known to sell for £40,000.
“Just be sure you know what you are looking for any date other than 2020 and you have hit the jackpot.”
When the clip was posted online, it garnered considerable attention, with one commenter stating: “I’ve got six of these coins.” Another enthused: “I’ve got one!”
The official 2020 Brexit 50p coin holds particular significance as it marks a defining political moment in British history. The inscription reads: “Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations” alongside the historic leaving date of 31 January 2020.
Owing to numerous Brexit postponements, the Royal Mint was forced to repeatedly melt down and re-engrave batches.
The final design that entered circulation ultimately displayed the correct exit date, making it a “coin with three dates” – 29 March 2019, 31 October 2019, and 31 January 2020.
How to Value and Verify Rare UK Coins
Spotting a rare coin requires examining its date, mint marks, physical condition and distinctive errors. AI-powered smartphones can be used to photograph a coin and instantly retrieve identification alongside estimated values.
Typically, lower mintage figures suggest a “key date” and greater worth. Double dies, absent mint marks or incorrect dates can render coins extraordinarily scarce.
In the meantime, you can have your coins authenticated by specialists, such as Change Checker, or even auction houses. To gain an understanding of what buyers are prepared to spend, you can also examine the completed sales listings on eBay.