Two new Paddington Bear coins finally released after leaked version sold for £16,000 on eBay
There are two new coin designs and they could show up in your wallet very soon, according to the Royal Mint
NEW Paddington Bear coins will finally start showing up in people's wallets after a college student found an unreleased one in her change and sold it on eBay for £16,000.
The Royal Mint has launched two new 50p coin designs featuring the beloved bear, which will enter circulation this month.
Two collectors' versions featuring coloured-in designs were released back in June, and they are on sale by the Royal Mint for up to £60 each.
Now all-silver versions could end up in anyone's pockets or purses without paying for the coin itself.
It's not clear how rare these coins will be as the Royal Mint said it can't reveal how many are entering circulation because they are still being "struck" - which means pressed.
The lower the circulation number, the more valuable the coins will be.
One week before the collectors' versions were released, Jordan Mcilquham found one in her change after a "quick shop" in Caerphilly, south Wales.
It sold for £16,000 on eBay after it was spotted by collectors on the auction website.
The Royal Mint is based just under 10 miles down the road in Llantrisant.
It is believed to have been accidentally pocketed by someone at the Royal Mint, before being spent at a local shop, according to .
Now the collectors' coins are being sold for a lot less on eBay, with the highest sales at £52 for both designs and a special presentation box.
The new 50p Paddington Bear coin designs feature the marmalade-loving bear in two locations: sitting on his suitcase at London Paddington station, and on a day out at Buckingham Palace.
Early release and brilliant uncirculated coins are still available to buy on the Royal Mint's website, as well as an album in which to store the coins.
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Estimating the value of the new coins, a spokesman from coin collecting website ChangeChecker said: "We know that there is a direct link between the scarcity of the coin and its potential value, however as the numbers are not yet available, we cannot put a price on these coins.
"However, based on recent releases, we know there will likely be a huge spike in demand for these coins as collectors frantically check their change.
"This will possibly lead to people paying over the face value on auction sites as they are eager to get hold of the coin from the initial release."
Nicola Howell, director of consumer coin at the Royal Mint, said: "If you enjoy collecting coins, then keep your eyes peeled for Paddington Bear in your change and keep them safe in their own special collector album.
"Paddington Bear is well-loved and a part of British popular culture, and we're incredibly proud to be playing a part in the 60th anniversary celebrations."
Today, we revealed that there's an old 50p coin that could be worth up to £50.
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