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Five 'rarest UK coins' still in use are worth more than 3,000 - check your change

Check your change before spending it as you could be sitting on a small fortune

[Person checking purse]

Check your change for five UK coins still in circulation worth over 3,000(Image: Getty)

Brits have been told to check their change for five of the rarest coins in UK circulation. Combined, these pieces could be worth over 3,000 to the right buyer.

In a clip shared on the social media platform TikTok, a coin collector known as the Coin Collecting Wizard explained how to spot the coins. "Most valuable coins you can find in your change revealed," he said, as he kicked off his video.

The initial coin he singled out was the 2009 50p piece, which features an image of Kew Gardens' iconic pagoda. He said: "Let's start with a 50 pence coin and of course it is the 2009 Kew Gardens 50p.

"This coin is so hard to find with only 210,000 ever released and is worth around 140 today." Another 50p avidly sought by collectors features Atlantic salmon and dates back to 2023.

He added: "Even less were released than the Kew at 200,000. And if you find one of these in your change, you are looking at around 80."

However, only some are a true rarity, reports The Mirror. "It's only the one without a privy mark dated 2023 that is rare and valuable," he clarified.

Next, he revealed that a particular 2 coin with a rare minting error is popular among collectors. The specialist said: "Now, let's move on to a 2 coin and this one is known as the Lord Kitchener."

Struck in 2014 to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, the coin depicts Lord Kitchener with his likeness engraved on the tails side. Its value goes up if it lacks the inscription "two pounds" on the flipside.

The specialist explained that such a defect could elevate the coin's worth to over 1,000. His attention then turned to a 2p piece valued at 2,000.

[Kew Gardens 50p]

One of the most valuable coins in circulation is the Kew Gardens 50p coin(Image: Getty)

He said: "This is the 'new pence' two pence coin from 1983 and whilst it is unlikely you would find this in your change, it is possible." The coin displays the words "new pence" rather than "two pence" on its reverse, which makes it unusual.

He continued: "This coin from 1983 was in Royal Mint sets and a mistake was made with the words 'new pence' instead of 'two pence'. If you find it, keep it because it's valued at around 2,000."

Wrapping up his treasure trove of insights, he said an undated 20p could fetch around 50. He concluded: "And finally, let's discuss a 20p coin with no date. If you find a 20 pence which was minted in 2008 but it has no date on the coin, then you have found a rare mule error 20p coin worth around 50."

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