We've all heard the stories about rare coins that are worth a lot more than their face value. Many of us will go rooting through our change in the hope of finding an unusual one and then checking whether it's worth anything.
For one seller that proved true, as a rare 50p coin in their possession has made them a tidy sum after an online bidding war. Such coins are coveted by collectors, who are keen to snap them up.
Some can even sell for thousands. The coin in question was released in 2009 to mark 250 years since Kew Gardens was opened, reports the Liverpool ECHO.
The Royal Mint estimates that around 210,000 were made. The design features the famous Chinese Pagoda at the Royal Botanic Garden on the tails side with the Queen's face as normal on the other.
According to its online listing, the "Rare 100% Genuine 2009 Kew Gardens 50p Coin In Excellent Circulated Condition" had a starting price of 99p. But after a 26-way bidding war quickly ensued, the price quickly jumped up to a huge £234, plus £7.95 express delivery.
With this in mind, it could be well worth checking your loose change, as well as in pockets and down the couch, to see if you have a Kew Gardens 50p. However if you do, the first thing you should do is check the date on it.
This is because the Royal Mint reissued a batch of the coins in 2019 to celebrate 50 years of the 50p and this version doesn’t tend to sell for as much. But you could still be in for an exciting payday if you find one of these, as they can sell for between £70 and £80 on eBay.
