Tiny detail missing from rare 50p coin means it sold for over 40 times its value – do you have one in your pocket?
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BRITS are urged to check their purses and take a peek in their money boxes, after an ultra rare coin sold for over 40 times its value.
Cash is being used less and less in Britain, with some companies even now refusing to take cash payments.
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Your loose change could actually make you lots of cash
Credit: PA
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The Atlantic Salmon coin is currently the rarest in active circulation
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An Atlantic Salmon coin sold today for £81
Credit: eBay
And although many prefer the convenience of contactless cards and see loose change as an annoyance, it can actually be extremely valuable.
The rarest coin currently in active circulation is His Majesty King Charles III's 50p coin, depicting the Atlantic Salmon.
Just 200,000 of the coins were released back in 2023, 10,000 less than 2009's Kew Gardens 50p coin, which was previously the rarest in circulation.
The version of the coin without a privy mark is the most valuable, as the version with the privy mark was included in Royal Mint's 2023 Definitive Coin Sets, making it less rare.
The commemorative coin features a salmon jumping out of the water on one side, and the word '50 pence' on the other side.
On the other side of the coin is a picture of King Charles III.
A privy mark is a tiny symbol stamped onto the 'heads' side of a coin, or on the rim.
On the Atlantic Salmon 50p, the coin is a small Tudor crown, which can be spotted behind the King's head.
If you rifle down the back of the sofa, or in the pockets of your jeans and happen to find an Atlantic Salmon 50p, it will be the most rare version of the coin if it does not have a privy mark on it.
Just today, an Atlantic Salmon coin sold on eBay for a whopping £81, after a fierce 15 bid showdown.
Rare 2p coin sells for £750
The description on the listing reads: "Embark on a journey to the heart of British numismatics with the 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p coin, a remarkable piece that celebrates the majestic fish renowned for its heroic migrations.
"This coin, minted in the United Kingdom during the era of Charles III, is a testament to the rich tradition of coinage and the storied history of Great Britain's maritime heritage.
"Crafted with care, this coin is a standalone piece without a privy mark exuding an air of exclusivity for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
"It is an uncirculated piece that has not been certified, offering a raw and authentic addition to any collection.
"The denomination of 50p makes it a valuable and noteworthy find, perfect for those looking to commemorate a piece of British legacy."
There are countless other listings for the coins, with sellers charging upwards of £100 for the rare 50p.
Royal Mint revealed that one in 355 people have the likelihood of finding a salmon coin in their wallet, so why not check now to see if you could make some cash.
If you're ever unsure of how much a coin should be sold for, it helps to look at what prices other people are listing.
You can also run it through Change Checker's Scarcity Index to get a sense of its value.
How to Sell A Rare Coin
If you're lucky enough to find a rare coin amongst your spare change, you can sell them through online marketplaces such as eBay.
You can also sell coins via auction, through the Royal Mint Collector's Service.
If you choose to do it this way, a team of experts will authenticate and value your coin, and advise you on how to sell.
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