You might have a small fortune in your pocket without even realizing it. A rare error in the creation of the 50p Brexit coin could make it worth up to £40,000 or more—if you happen to have one of the surviving “botched” versions.
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The Brexit Coin Fiasco: When a Mistake Became a Million-Dollar Opportunity
Six years ago, the Royal Mint produced one million special edition 50p coins to mark the UK’s exit from the European Union. However, due to a critical mistake, these coins were supposed to feature an October 2019 date but were later deemed invalid. The government postponed the Brexit date, and the Royal Mint had to destroy all coins stamped with the incorrect October date. Or so it was believed.
It turns out, a small number of these coins survived, and now the hunt is on for these rare pieces. According to Gregory Edmund, a numismatic specialist at Spink & Son auction house, the discovery of these “botched” Brexit coins is akin to finding “Willy Wonka’s golden ticket” in the world of coin collecting.
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What Makes These Coins So Valuable?
The key error is the October 2019 date stamped on the coins, which was later superseded by January 2020 due to Brexit’s delayed timeline. The now-rare coins also feature the words “Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations,” making them even more distinctive.
Gregory Edmund, a coin expert who has been tracking these coins since their creation, described the find as a business “electrifying” moment. Two of these coins have already been discovered and are now in circulation. They were found by “lucky coin hunters” in their loose change and are the only known surviving examples of the October 2019 coins.
If one of these coins were to be auctioned, Edmund believes it could fetch more than the record-breaking £42,000 for a 1965 gold halfpenny error, a record set just last year by Spink & Son.
The Search for More: How You Can Get Involved
Given the extreme security measures at the Royal Mint, it’s surprising that any of the October 2019 coins survived at all. But with the discovery of two such coins, Edmund has set up a special hotline, encouraging coin collectors and owners to come forward with any of the rare pieces they might have.
These coins are already causing a stir, and if you think you might own one, it’s worth checking your change carefully. Even though the Royal Mint claimed to have destroyed all the coins with the wrong date, the discovery of two surviving examples proves there might be more out there.
Why Do These Coins Matter to Collectors?
The Brexit 50p coins were part of a series of commemorative coins created to mark significant national milestones. With the historical importance of Brexit, these coins have attracted considerable attention from collectors. Add in the error in the date, and you have a truly unique item on your hands—one that could increase in value exponentially over time.
Other rare 50p coins, like the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew coin, have sold for up to £300 due to their limited circulation. However, the botched Brexit coins are poised to eclipse these with an estimated value of £40,000 or more, making them one of the most valuable modern-day coins in circulation.
How to Check if You Have One of the Rare Brexit Coins
To see if you might own one of these rare Brexit coins, you’ll need to look closely at the date and design. The coins stamped with the October 2019 date are the ones in question, and they should also bear the phrase “Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations.” These are the key identifiers to look for.
If you believe you have found one, Gregory Edmund and Spink & Son are currently inviting submissions for appraisal. You can email them directly at [email protected] to have your coin professionally evaluated.
Final Thoughts: The Hunt for Hidden Wealth
While it’s estimated that the vast majority of the faulty Brexit 50p coins were destroyed, the discovery of these two rare examples has created excitement among collectors. They represent a unique slice of history and a valuable opportunity for those lucky enough to find one.
Whether you’re a seasoned coin collector or simply someone with a few spare 50p coins lying around, it’s worth taking a closer look at your change. Who knows—you might be sitting on a small fortune.
If you’re lucky enough to own one, be sure to act quickly, as these coins are attracting considerable interest and could soon be auctioned off for a life-changing sum.
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