FIFTY pence coins designed to commemorate Brexit could be worth hundreds of pounds now that they may have the wrong date on them.
The coins were due to be released into circulation to mark Britain’s departure from the European Union.
On the tails side of the coins is the inscription: “Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations”, as well as the historic date the UK is due to leave the European bloc – October 31 2019.
Chancellor Sajid Javid had ordered three million of the coins to be made ready for the end of the month but plans look to be put on hold as meeting the deadline now seems unlikely.
It’s believed that only 1,000 prototype coins have already been made – making them potentially instant collectables.
The 50ps now feature the wrong date on them, which means they’re classed as “error coins”.
Most valuable 50p coins
THESE are the most valuable 50p coins currently in circulation that have recently sold for the most on eBay:
Kew Gardens, up to 160
This rare commemorative coin was created in 2009 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Londons Kew Gardens. Only 210,000 of these coins were issued and a quick check online shows up that a circulated coin with this design sold for 160 on eBay.
Olympics athletics Blue Peter winner, up to 112
The coin was released in 2011 as part of a series of 50ps celebrating the London 2012 Olympics. Florence Jackson’s drawing of a high-jumper made it on to the back of the coins after winning a competition hosted by kids’ TV show, Blue Peter. Now they sell for up to 112 on eBay.
Olympics aquatic error coin, up to 62
Ahead of the coin’s release in 2011, the Royal Mint redesigned the aquatics 50p to show less water crossing the swimmer making their face more visible. But an unknown small number of coins were accidentally struck with the original design and entered into circulation. One recently sold for 62 after getting five bids.
UK Presidency of the EEC, up to 59
The Royal Mint released a new 50p when the UK joined the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973 and when the UK held the EU presidency in 1998. One recently sold for 59 after getting 20 bids.
Olympic football offside rule, up to 33
Fifteen bidders battled it out to get their hands on the Olympic football coin on eBay. Released as part of the Olympic collection, the tails side attempts to explain the off-side rule. Eventually, it sold for 33.
Coins minted with mistakes on them are super popular among collectors and can end up selling for far more than face value.
One of the most valuable error 50p coins is the aquatics design released as part of the London 2012 Olympics series.
Initially, the the image on the back shows water passing directly over the swimmer’s face, but the design was modified to reduce the amount of water so you could see the athlete more clearly.
A small batch of them were accidentally released into circulation featuring the old design.
An uncirculated one recently sold for 800 on eBay after attracting more than 40 bids.
The second most valuable 50p is from the Falkland Islands minted with the wrong breed of penguin on it sells for up to 114 online.
Meanwhile, “New Pence” 2p coins minted in 1983 will fetch around 100 at auction and silver 2p could be worth 200.
We’ve asked the Royal Mint and the Treasury what it plans to do with the trial coins.
It’s unlikely that it will continue with plans to release them into circulation but it may sell them via its website as uncirculated proofs.
Alternatively, it may decide to melt them down to be remade with the correct date, which is still yet to be decided on.
It’s not the first time this has happened. The coin was first designed to feature the original March 29 Brexit date earlier this year.
When ex-Chancellor Philip Hammond was quizzed on what would happen to the prototypes after MPs voted for a delay, he dismissed suggestions they should be melted down.
Instead he told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show : “Or they will become collectors pieces.”
