£2 coin minted in 1996 worth more than £1,500
A £2 coin minted in the 90s has been valued at more than £1,500 - so it could be worth checking your loose change. The gold coin was issued by the Royal Mint in 1996 to celebrate the 10th European football championship, Euro '96, hosted in England.
The tournament featured matches in eight major cities: Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, and Sheffield. Although hosting, England's journey ended in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Germany clinched the title with a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic at Wembley, in a gripping final.
Almost 30 years later, it is estimated there are still thousand of these commemorative £2 coins around. Experts at Bullion By Post explain: "The 1996 £2 proof gold coin was produced by the Royal Mint to mark the European Football Championships that year. It was the first time England had hosted a major tournament since 1966 when they won their one and only World Cup trophy.
"The two pound gold coin - sometimes referred to as the Double Sovereign - contains 14.63 grams of gold. 2,098 of these coins were produced by the Royal Mint."
Sculptor John Wills is the artist behind these distinctive coins, which prominently display a football motif and the year '1996' at their centre. The reverse features a youthful portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Coin fans can now obtain one of these highly desirable pieces from dealer Chards for £1,523.94. However, certain variations have previously been listed on eBay, selling for as much as £1,996 and £2,990, according to the Mirror.
There are many other coins that fetch much more than their face value, too. Take, for instance, a rare 1933 piece that recently sold for £140,000. Only seven are known to exist worldwide. However, keep in mind that a coin's worth varies depending on its condition.
Chris Yang, Co-founder of Coins Value, previously told The Star: "In sum, scrutinise your coins, have them identified and graded professionally, and work with experienced numismatists to determine the real value of your coins so that you can sell them for the best price.
"Remember, the thrill of coin collecting isn't always about striking gold; it's about connecting with history and uncovering hidden treasures. Your old coin jar might hold more than just spare change – it could be a portal to a fascinating past."
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