2018 saw the old £10 note go out of circulation and a new polymer £20 will be introduced in 2020 featuring the famous British artist J.M.W Turner. As a country we do like to tinker with our currency.
In 1971 pounds, shillings and pence were taken out of circulation in favour of the new decimal system that we know today. Since then new coins have been introduced, some currency removed, and important figures of banknotes have been chopped and changed every few years. Just to add to the chaos, limited edition coins have been introduced, with people on the hunt for the entire Beatrix Potter collection or the Kew Gardens 50p.
With such a tale to be told regarding British money, there are some currencies of the past which could earn you a pretty penny if in your grasp. Check out our guide below and see if you have any hidden gems hidden in your wallet…
British coins still in circulation
1973 European Economic Community 50p
This 50 pence piece is highly distinguishable, a ring of hands enveloping the text ‘1973 50 Pence’. Very few of these 50p coins were made and they were only presented to finance ministers and seniors officials of the EEC when England joined. Today this coin is worth £3,000.
1994 Bank of England 300th Anniversary £2
To celebrate the Bank of England’s 300-year anniversary in 1994, 1,000 gold proof £2 coins were made. Today the 22-carat gold proof coin is worth £2,500.
London 2012 Olympics Aquatics 50p (First Design)
To celebrate the London 2012 Olympics 29 coins were minted. However, the first batch that were created with the original design featured a mistake. Originally the 50p displayed water cascading over the swimmer’s face, however, this was modified for the second batch so the design was clearer. It is believed that the original faulty design 50p coins could fetch £1,500.
1983 New 2p Coin
After 1982 all 2p coins contained the text ‘two pence’ in the design. Before this, between 1971 and 1982, 2p coins read ‘new pence’. However, in 1983 a rogue batch of 2ps went into circulation minted with the incorrect ‘new pence’ design. Today these coins could be worth up to £1,250.
Rare and valuable British coins
1933 George V Penny
Undoubtedly the most famous British coin is the 1933 penny. Despite there being enough pennies circulating naturally that none needed to be created in 1933, a few ‘pattern’ versions were created that never actually went into production. There were only four in existence and one went up for sale in 2016 for £72,000.
Interestingly, a further seven George V pennies were created in 1933, both for ceremonial purposes and one each for the British Museum and The Royal Mint Museum. None of these have ever come up for sale but it is thought the value would be double that of the pattern versions.
1917 King George V Gold Sovereign London
The 1917 King George V Sovereign London features King George V on the obverse and the reverse is St George and the Dragon. The coin is 22 carat gold and is sought after by coin and bullion collectors due to its rarity. These coins have sold for values between £10,000 and £15,000.
1937 Edward VIII Brass Threepence
Following the death of King George VI, it was up to his brother Edward VIII to take his place on the throne and become King of England. Once Edward VIII had taken the throne any newly minted coins and banknotes had the new King’s side profile emblazoned on them, as is tradition.
Ten pattern threepence pattern coins were created in 1936 with Edward VIII’s image on. Due to his longing to marry divorcee and American socialite Wallis Simpson, Edward VIII abdicated after just 11 months on the throne. The Church of England opposed remarriage at the time and the British people would not tolerate Wallis as queen. Due to the history and curiosity of these coins they are valued at £45,000 each.
1996 Football European Championship £2
In 1996 England hosted the UEFA European Football Championship. Although England missed out on a spot in the finals are Germany beat them 6-5 on penalties, a coin was minted to commemorate the sporting occasion.
Just over 2,000 of these coins were minted and they are highly collectable. However, there are selection of this coins that feature an incorrect due and a flat surface. This version of the coin is extremely rare and they hold a value of £1,700.