Coin collectors should check change jars for rare 20p worth 250 times face value
by Sam Dimmer, Christine Younan · NottinghamshireLiveHave you ever had the inkling that you might possess a rare coin worth more than its weight in gold? According to a coin enthusiast on TikTok, today could just be the day you hit the jackpot. The user, who goes by @CoinCollectingWizard, has flagged up a particular 20p piece that could command a price many times over its nominal value – but it comes with a twist.
In a post that caught the eye of his 210,400 followers, he detailed: "Can you spot the rare 20p coin with no date? This rare 20p coin sells for £50."
He highlighted: "This 20p is known as the undated 20p mule error, considered by many as one of the holy grails of UK change collecting. The undated 20p is always at the top of any coin collector's wish list."
He mentioned that this coin was minted in 2008 and due to a mishap involving the incorrect die being used, some were issued with no date imprinted on them. This oversight resulted from confusion at the Royal Mint during the roll-out of the new Royal Shield of Arms design, reports the Express.
The Royal Mint acknowledged the rarity of this event, noting it's the first instance in over three centuries that a dateless coin has been put into circulation. "It makes it extremely sought after by coin collectors," the TikToker declared. "So always check your change."
This reveal has stirred considerable enthusiasm among his audience, with a number expressing delight at the discovery of owning such a unique piece. So now we ask, could there be a hidden treasure lurking in your pocket?
If you're keen to find out if your change holds any precious secrets, start by inspecting the dates on your coins – often, the most straightforward method to classify a coin’s rarity. Moreover, keep an eye out for any minting errors, as these quirks can significantly enhance a coin’s uniqueness and consequently, its value.
However, the most important aspect to consider is the coin's mintage, as this could reveal its actual rarity. For example, if there are fewer of these coins in circulation, they would be highly sought after.