7 rarest old coins including London Mint sovereign that could be worth up to £25,000
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COIN collectors or people who’ve inherited old change could be sitting on a small fortune.
But as the rarest coins are all from before decimalisation - the switchover to the currency system we use now - you won’t find them in your spare change.
Instead, it’s likely that the people who could have these in their home are serious collectors and those who’ve inherited pieces from older relatives - and now they could be worth up to £25,000.
Last month marked 50 years of the decimal currency since the changeover took place on February 15, 1971.
Before this happened, under the British currency there were 12 pennies to a shilling and 20 shillings in a pound.
The system we use now is based on 100 pennies to the pound, while some coins, like the shilling, are no longer used.
How to safely store valuable coins
HERE are some tricks to keep your valuable coins safe from toning:
- Store your coins in individual containers
- Put it in a clear, air tight holder that lets you see the coin from both sides
- Avoid putting them in clear plastic sandwich bags because they can still rub against each other an may cause scratches or marks
- Store your collection in a folder or album, although tarnishing may occur quicker than in an airtight container
- Keep them out of a damp environment. You can use silica gel to help prevent damp
- Wear clean, white gloves when handling the coins
- Steer clear of using PVC materials as it traps moisture and releases acidic gases which can damage the collection.
To celebrate 50 years of the switchover, we explained how to use a free online calculator to work out how much pre-decimal change could be worth now.
Jon White, who runs the Britannia Coin Company, has now shared some of the rarest older coins with The Sun.
As these coins are extremely old, experts don’t really know how many could still be lying around.
If you think you've got one, first check eBay listings to see what similar coins have sold for.
Some will offer free quotes - but check this first before handing over any coins.
The Royal Mint is unable to value a coin but it can confirm whether it is real or not, with prices starting from £20 for this service.
For example, part of their service would be able to say whether you could sell your coin at auction or whether it would be valuable to collector.
You’ll also usually have to visit them in person with the coin in order for them to assess it.
If you want to sell the coin you’ve found in your spare change on eBay then you need to know the risks.
Remember to set a minimum price that is higher or at the very least equal to the face value of the coin.
Even if your coin “sells” on eBay for a high price there’s no guarantee that the buyer will cough up.
It its terms and conditions, the auction website states that bidders enter a “legally binding contract to purchase an item”, but there’s no way to enforce this rule in reality.
1917 London Mint Sovereign - up to £25,000
1847 Gothic Crown - up to £5,000
However, depending on the condition, Mr White said dealers will pay up to £5,000.
The coin itself features an image of Queen Victoria, portrayed in a medieval style, along with gothic text on the reverse.
1919 KN Penny - up to £1,000
1935 "Raised Edge" Proof Crown - up to £600
1928 "Wreath" Crown - up to £300
In terms of design, the back of the coin features a large crown with a wreath of shamrock leaves with thistles and roses intertwined.
1952 Sixpence - up to £10
One side of the coin features King George VI facing left, while the other shows his initials.
In more coin news, the Royal Mint is giving away 95 £5 coins to mark Queen’s 95th birthday.
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