26 Rare UK Coins That Are Super Valuable

With the Royal Mint producing limited quantities of special edition coins over the years, rare coins in the UK are a thing.

So, what could your small change be worth? From an Olympics 50p coin minted to celebrate London 2012 to a 1917 George V Sovereign issued over a century ago, not every coin is worth its face value.

Some commemorative coins are worth much more, and this can apply to a new pence 2p or modern fifty pence piece as much as to a coin that predates decimalisation or dates back to before the First World War.

There are limited quantities of such coins in circulation, so coming across one could mean you’re quids in.

So which are the most valuable?

This guide will cover everything you should know about rare British coins, which are much more valuable than their denomination might suggest.

Whether you’re already interested in selling a rare coin via eBay auction, are wondering why an error coin can be sought-after or want to know what that 2009 Kew Gardens 50p piece you’re hanging onto might be worth, this post is for you.

So read on to find out everything you need to know about Queen Elizabeth II coins, the range of Olympic 50p coins produced for London 2012, and the current estimated value of that Peter Rabbit or rare football coin your child treasures.

Spoiler alert – some rare coins can be worth thousands of pounds, so it could be well worth the effort of becoming a committed change checker!

A Brief History of British Coins

Coins were first used in various locations across the world during ancient times, dating back to the centuries BC (Before Christ).

In the East, the Chinese used miniature gardening implements to serve the purpose now fulfilled by coins, while the small, bronze prehistoric tools and rings excavated in Western Europe are likely to have been used in the way we would use cash today.

Ancient Egyptians used golden bars and then as a form of currency during the 4th century BC.

It was, however, the people of Lydia – an ancient region where Turkey and the Middle East are now- were credited with the invention of the coin during the 6th century BC.

As with other currencies, British coins were made mainly from silver until early in the 20th century.

In 1971, the UK switched to decimalisation, swapping pounds, shillings and pence for pounds and new pence.

Major changes since then have included the introduction of 20p coins in 1982, the introduction of the £1 coin in 1983 and the ditching of halfpenny coins in 1984.

The £2 coin came into circulation in 1997, while in 2008 all coins worth under £1 underwent a major redesign.

Why are rare UK coins valuable?

In general, coins are worth more money precisely because they are rare.

Although the Royal Mint may make huge numbers of all British coins, special editions are only released in limited amounts and at certain times.

Thus even coins currently in circulation can be rare. You may not need that George V sovereign to make money when you sell coins.

Any UK coin minted in limited numbers may become a sought-after collectors’ item.

These are the main reasons why UK coins may be worth far more than their face value. In a nutshell, it all boils down to how rare they are.

The most valuable types of coin

Limited edition coins

A lower number of coins equals rarity, and there’s definitely a price tag attached to that.

Coins minted incorrectly

Believe it or not, mistakes and imperfections are worth more – simply because they are more rare.

Coin collections

If the coin forms part of a wider mintage that created a commemorative set, then it will be more desirable as committed collectors will wish to get hold of every piece.

Coin condition

A UK coin in good nick is usually more valuable than one that actually looks like it was minted decades ago.

When it comes to old coins in particular, finding one in great condition is very unusual.

21 Rare UK Coins That Are Worth Keeping

Get given one of these with your change and these coins could be worth ‘a bob or two’.

Here are the Royal Mint’s rarest coins worth far more than mere monetary value might suggest.

1. 1917 George V Sovereign

This sovereign tops Royal Mint’s list of valuable coins.

Although many were made, this gold sovereign predates the first world war. Lots of them apparently ended up in the US to help pay off debt racked up during the conflict.

The Royal Mint stopped minting these gold coins in 1917. The war killed off the trend for using gold, as its use in coins was then seen as both impractical and an inappropriate use of public funds.

In 2012, an example of this rare coin was auctioned for £11,000.

2. 2018 Peter Rabbit 50p coins

The Beatrix Potter coin collection has become sought after, and apparently the Jemima Puddle-Duck coin is the hardest to get hold of.

As such, it could be worth more than 20 times the original 50p value.

According to the Royal Mint, the coins featuring Peter Rabbit himself and Flopsy Bunny are also rare, and could sell for a similar sum.

3. 1983 Queen Elizabeth 2p

An error is also responsible for the fact that a specific version of this two pence coin is one of the rarest low denomination pieces around.

From 1983, coins began to show their face value rather than ‘new pence’ on the back, but a batch minted that year was accidentally issued with the old wording.

Such examples have apparently sold for over £500 each.

4. 2005 Guy Fawkes £2

Another mistake regarding the coin features mas made here, and this time it involved a simple spelling error.

Or did it? Rumours vary, with some saying that part of the word just wore away over time.

Anyway, some coins appear to be printed around the edge with ‘Pemember, Pemember’ instead of the word being typed out correctly with an ‘R’.

Whatever the reason, this version may sell for around £5 to £15.

5. 2011 WWF 50p

The commemorative coin made to celebrate 50 years of the World Wildlife Fund is a favourite among coin enthusiasts, and could thus go for about £100.

6. 1839 Una and the Lion £5

This coin is seen as one of the most attractive coins ever made, and only several hundred were produced.

On the back, there is a William Wyon portrait of Queen Victoria – portraying Una – as she directs the British lion.

The rare nature of this coin is increased by the slight variations that exist in terms of small matters such as the edging, metals used and even the decorative detailing on the Queen’s crown.

7. 2002 Commonwealth Games £2

It’s the Northern Ireland variant of this coin that is the most desirable to collectors, as less of these were produced.

The unique coin features include the fact that the flag is embossed on the NI version. If you find one, it could sell for about £30.

8. 1996 Euro football £2

With a little over 2,000 produced in total, this £2 coin is a pretty rare beast. Just the date and a little circle for each of the 16 participating nations decorate this rare piece resembling a football.

If you do find one, it could fetch you around £800.

9. 2017 Isaac Newton 50p

This 50p coin could be worth around £60, as a relatively small number were made. It’s always a good idea to look at any 50p coin more closely!

10. 1936 Edward VIII coins

Any Edward VIII coin is valuable due to rarity.

This is because Edward famously abdicated after under a year on the throne so he could marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson.

As only trial pieces were ever minted, coins featuring the successor of George V are extremely rare.

The Royal Mint themselves managed to source and flog a sovereign for £1 million, setting a new record in the process.

10 brass threepence Edward VIII prototypes were also made, and one is said to be worth around £45,000.

11. 2008 Elizabeth II 20p

Again this is one of the rarest coin examples due to an error during its mintage.

In 2008 around 250,000 dateless 20p coins were released, making them rare enough to be worth around £50 to £100.

12. 1703 Queen Anne Vigo Five Guinea

This gold coin was made following the 1702 Battle of Vigo Bay during the War of the Spanish Succession.

Only a few were produced, and one was auctioned in New York for a record-breaking sum of approximately £845,000 in 2019.

By 2025, the high-grade examples have a market value of £750,000 or more.

13. 2009 Kew Gardens 50p

The Royal Mint produced only 210,000 of these 50p pieces to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Due to this low mintage, most were quickly removed from circulation by collectors.

While it was previously the rarest 50p in the UK, it is now the second rarest in circulation, having been overtaken by the 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p.

In circulated condition, the 2009 original typically sells for between £140 and £250.

A non-circulating commemorative edition was also produced in 2019 as part of the Royal Mint’s “50 Years of 50p” collection.

14. 1933 George V penny

Only seven examples of the 1933 penny are confirmed to exist, making it the “holy grail” of modern British numismatics.

While no coins were produced for general circulation that year due to a surplus, a handful were struck for ceremonial and record-keeping purposes.

Three were famously buried under the foundation stones of buildings erected in 1933, while others were given to national collections like the British Museum and Royal Mint Museum.

One of the buried coins was stolen from a Leeds church in 1970 and remains missing, which has fueled the persistent myth that a 1933 penny could still turn up in loose change.

While older guides valued the coin around £80,000, uncirculated specimens are now estimated to be worth £200,000 or more.  

Nicknamed the “Double Leopard,” the 1344 Edward III Gold Florin is one of the rarest and most valuable British coins.

It was England’s first large gold coin, introduced to boost trade across Europe with a face value of six shillings.

However, it was quickly withdrawn after just a few months because it was overvalued compared to silver and rejected by merchants.

Only a few survive today. Two were found together in 1857 in the River Tyne mud and are now in the British Museum.

A third was discovered by a metal detectorist in 2006 and sold for £460,000 to a private collector.

Since then, its value has soared, with experts estimating it could be worth £5 million or more.

16. 2015 Elizabeth II silver 2p

No, this was not a silver mintage intended for collectors; it is a rare minting error created when a 10p blank (made of nickel-plated steel) was accidentally struck with a 2p design.

These “silver” 2p coins are highly sought after because most are caught by the Royal Mint’s quality control before leaving the factory.

While a 2015 specimen sold for £485 in early 2020, the most famous example—found in a Royal British Legion poppy appeal tin—was auctioned for over £1,350 in 2016.

Depending on the auction and the coin’s condition, current market values typically range from £500 to over £1,400

17. 1973 EEC 50p

If you’re not old enough to know what EEC is an acronym for, it’s European Economic Community, the EU’s earlier incarnation.

The 1973 EEC 50p was the UK’s first-ever commemorative decimal coin, issued to celebrate the country’s entry into the EEC.

The standard cupro-nickel version is not rare, as the Royal Mint produced 89,775,000 for circulation, and typically sells for between £2 and £5 today.

An extremely rare Silver Proof Piedfort version was struck in very small numbers, which is “super valuable,” with a catalogue value of approximately £3,000.

18. 2015 Elizabeth II “Longest Reigning Monarch” £20 Coin

Yes, you read that right. A coin with a value of £20 was made to celebrate the Queen becoming the longest serving monarch ever on 9th September 2015.

It is famously known as the “Five Portraits” coin because the reverse design features all five portraits of the Queen used on British coinage throughout her record-breaking 63-year reign.

In 2026, a pristine coin still in its original Royal Mint plum-coloured display card can fetch between £35 and £55 on the secondary market.

If you do have one, it could be worth up to two times the original £20 value.

19. 2015 Big Ben £100

A coin worth £100 was produced in 2015, depicting Big Ben on the front, made of 2oz of 0.999 fine silver.

As it’s no longer available from the Royal Mint, this coin may go for around £95–£120 or more, depending on the dealer and condition.

20. 1994 Bank of England Anniversary £2

In 1994 the Bank of England become 300 years old, and commemorative coins were made to mark the anniversary.

There are actually two distinct editions—a standard nickel-brass version and a highly rare gold proof—that carry vastly different values for collectors today.

Gold Edition

Struck in 22‑carat gold, this rare proof has a limited mintage of just 1,000 coins.

Often likened to a “Double Sovereign” in gold content, its value is strongly supported by the bullion price. In 2026, a standard gold proof typically sells for around £1,100–£1,600 in its original box.

If you find the famous “mule” error – where the denomination “Two Pounds” is missing from the Queen’s portrait side – the value rises into the £4,000–£5,000 range at auction.

Nickel-Brass Edition

The nickel‑brass version is the single‑colour, “old style” £2 more commonly seen in UK collections.

With over 1.4 million minted, it isn’t as rare as the gold version but remains popular, especially as it was never meant for everyday circulation.

In 2026, a standard circulated example is usually worth around £4 to £8, while a coin in its original Royal Mint presentation or in Brilliant Uncirculated condition can fetch roughly £10 to £20 online.

21. 2011 London Olympics 50p

The rarity and therefore value of each Royal Mint Olympics 50p varies a lot, with most designs selling for only a few pounds each.

As a complete set, they may well sell for more, as it saves collectors the legwork of finding all 29 coins.

According to recent mintage and market data, the most sought‑after designs include Football, Judo, Triathlon, Wrestling, Tennis and Goalball.

In 2026, most circulated Olympic 50ps fetch between £3 and £10, but two specific versions are worth significantly more.

Aquatics 50p

The rarest modern 50p is the original Aquatics design, which features water lines passing directly over the swimmer’s face.

This was quickly modified to show a clear face, making the “wavy lines” version an ultra-rare find.

In 2026, authentic error coins can sell for between £1,500 and £3,000 at auction, though you should beware of fakes with lines scratched on later.

Football 50p

The Olympic Football 50p is the rarest design intended for general circulation, with roughly 1.1 million minted.

It is easily identified by its diagram explaining the offside rule. A recent circulated example typically sells for £12 to £20, while those in original Royal Mint “Brilliant Uncirculated” packaging can reach up to £35.

22. 2013 “George and the Dragon” £20 Silver Coin

The first-ever £20 coin was released in 2013 to celebrate the birth of Prince George, featuring Benedetto Pistrucci’s iconic St George and the Dragon design.

While 250,000 were minted, its “first-of-its-kind” status makes it a collector favourite, typically fetching between £25 and £45 in 2026.

For the best price, ensure it remains in its original Royal Mint presentation card, as loose coins often trade closer to their silver bullion value.

23. 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p

The 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p is now the rarest 50p coin in UK circulation, overtaking the 2009 Kew Gardens after 15 years.

With a mintage of just 200,000, this King Charles III definitive coin is highly sought after by UK collectors, with circulated examples selling for around £65 to £100 in 2026.

The most valuable version is the 2023 coin without the crown privy mark, as coins with the mark were produced in much higher numbers for collectors.

24. 2008 Olympic Handover £2

Commemorating the transition from Beijing 2008 to London 2012, this £2 coin features the symbolic passing of the Olympic flag and the distinctive edge inscription, “I call upon the youth of the world.”

With a low mintage of 918,000, it is consistently ranked among the top 10 rarest £2 coins in circulation.

A standard circulated example found in your change this 2026 typically fetches between £8 and £15.

However, collectors will pay significantly more for premium versions.

A “Brilliant Uncirculated” (BU) coin in its original Royal Mint folder can reach £30–£40, while the Silver Proof version—struck in .925 sterling silver—regularly sells for £40 to £80 depending on the retailer and packaging.

25. 1952 George VI Sixpence

Often dubbed a “Holy Grail” of the mid-20th century, this cupro‑nickel sixpence was struck in the final year of King George VI’s reign.

With a mintage of just over one million – around 98% fewer than the first issue of his third coinage in 1949 – and many pieces shipped overseas, high‑grade examples are notably scarce in the UK.

A well‑circulated 1952 sixpence today (2026) typically sells in the £15–£25 range, with sharper ‘Extremely Fine’ pieces around £30–£45, while truly ‘Uncirculated’ coins in top condition can push higher at specialist dealers and auctions but are not routinely three‑figure items.

26. 2025 RRS Discovery £2

This commemorative release celebrates the 125th anniversary of the RRS Discovery’s launch and the centenary of its famous Antarctic expeditions.

The reverse features the iconic research vessel alongside a whale tail, penguins, and a polar map,  while the obverse carries a portrait of King Charles III. 

The edge is inscribed with the fitting motto, “DESIGNED FOR ADVENTURE.”

There are four distinct collector versions:

• Brilliant Uncirculated £2 in base metal -entry-level l, sold in official packaging at around £17.50 and aimed at everyday collectors.
• Silver Proof and the Silver Proof Piedfort £2  – double thickness, sterling silver proof has a limited edition of 1500 coins at about £95.00, while the Piedfort version has a limited edition of 750 coins, at about £165.
• Gold Proof £2 – 22‑carat, ultra-rare version, with a mintage of only 100, commands a massive £2,225.

Rare coins UK – FAQs

What is the rarest coin in the UK?

The most reliable source of information regarding the UK’s rarest examples surely goes back to where they came from – the Royal Mint. You can find out what they have to say here.

What old coins are worth money UK?

As mentioned above, some coins that date back a long way are worth a lot more than others.

Valuable examples include the 1917 gold sovereign, the 1933 penny coin and any featuring Edward VIII, as well as several even older issues.

Which coins are rare and worth money?

From a new pence 2p to a reinvented Olympic coin, a coin issued in error is often more worth more money as there are so few of them in circulation.

All values are estimated, and only worth what a collector is willing to pay.

A rare coin in good condition will always be more treasured – particularly if it forms part of a collection like the Olympic 50p editions.

How to make money from rare coins in the UK

If this guide has whetted your appetite for making a quick buck, the first step is simply to look out for those coins still in circulation.

When you strike it lucky, there’s nothing to stop you selling it via an eBay auction.

The site itself may in fact give you a good idea of the coin’s current value, or you can use a specialist app or site like Change Checker.

Whether you come across an Olympic Games 50p among your change or have some silver and bronze stashed away that turns up a more unusual two pound coin, it’s certainly worth keeping those peepers peeled for that limited issue penny or 20 pence coin.

(Editors note: Hat tip to Tracy’s daughter who allowed us to raid her coin collection to share original photos of her collectors 50p coins including WWF, Olympic and Peter Rabbit coins).

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