The Royal Mint is marking the Queen’s 90th birthday on Thursday with a brand new £5 coin – offering a great souvenir but not an opportunity for investors.
In general, collectors should not buy such modern commemorative coins as investments but instead view them as mementos. The pieces are not expected to rise in value over time and, despite being deemed legal tender, are rarely accepted by shops or banks.
The Queen’s latest £5 coin – released earlier this month – comes in a variety of finishes costing from £20 for silver to £7,500 for gold, so even if you manage to spend the coin you are still out of pocket.
Penny for your thoughts: Collector and medieval history lecturer Rory Naismith with his silver penny showing King Ethelred
But fortunately, there is still a fascinating and potentially lucrative investment market for those interested in collecting truly rare coins – a hobby that is known as numismatics.
The Stanley Gibbons GB200 Rare Coin Index – which measures the value of 200 of the most sought after British coins on the market – rose more than 6 per cent last year. Over ten years the index has gone up 195 per cent, which averages out at just over 10 per cent a year.
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Keith Heddle, managing director of the coin collectors investment arm at national trader Stanley Gibbons, says: ‘Most modern coins are never going to make money unless they are particularly rare – not a so-called ‘limited edition’ – or have been minted by mistake. Some of the most unusual historic pieces have risen dramatically in value over recent years.’
He points to the 1738 King George II Gold Five Guineas piece as the biggest investment climber last year – up 50 per cent in value to £45,000. The most valuable coin in the index is the 1703 Anne Pre-Union Gold Five Guinea coin – which rose by £50,000 to £375,000 last year.
Such coins are so expensive due to extreme rarity and unique history. The most valuable British coin is the Gold Double Leopard from the reign of Edward III in 1344. Only three of these coins are known to exist – two of which are in a museum – and the other sold in 2006 for £460,000.
This is Money exposed the sudden Royal Mint crackdown in January - with a reader landed with nearly £30k of commemorative coins
Collection: The silver penny showing King Ethelred, right, owned byRory Naismith
Heddle adds: ‘Coins are a classic heritage investment – and offer a unique and tangible record of history stretching back more than 2,000 years. They can also beat the performance of many stocks and shares. For example, last year when the GB200 Rare Coins Index went up by more than 6 per cent the FTSE 100 fell by almost 5 per cent.’
Although the latest Queen Elizabeth II £5 coin is not expected to go up in value, older commemorative coins have recently soared in price.
An 1839 Queen Victoria ‘Proof’ boxed set of 15 gold, silver and copper coins sold for £504,000 last year. The price was so high because the coins were never used and deemed to be of the highest quality.
The set included an uncirculated ‘Una and the Lion’ £5 piece depicting the Monarch as a fairy tale queen. When the commemorative collection last went on the market in 1856 it sold for ten guineas. Adjusted to account for inflation this would be about £960.
New: The latest Queen Elizabeth II £5 coin
Coin collector Rory Naismith, 32, from Cambridge, says although top priced coins often grab the headlines, enthusiasts can start collecting fascinating historic pieces for a modest investment. The medieval history lecturer says: ‘One of the favourite coins I own is a silver penny with Ethelred the Unready as it was used during a fascinating period of Anglo-Saxon history.
‘Holding the coin transports you back in time and makes you wonder who else may have touched it and the stories it could have told more than a thousand years ago. Such pieces can be bought from reputable dealers for about £200 – but it will probably not soar in value.’
King Ethelred earned his nickname for failing to keep back invading Vikings. He reigned between 978 and 1013 before being toppled by Danish king Sweyn. The Dane only survived a year and Ethelred took back the crown in 1014 and reigned until his own death in 1016 – to be replaced by King Canute.
Rory, a member of The British Numismatic Society, points out that Roman coins can be picked up for as little as £5. He says they are often battered and rubbed away with the hands of history making them interesting to collect but not valuable.
In the 16th Century coins started to be milled rather than hammered. Earlier ancient coins were often tampered with and bits were chipped off to melt down and make other money.
Later milled examples often have the important motto ‘Decus Et Tutamen’ – Ornament and Safeguard – stamped on them in a bid to combat forgeries.
Occasionally modern coins can be worth more than their face value – most often due to mistakes. Peter Waddell, secretary of the Northampton Numismatic Society, points out that many coin mistakes are known as ‘mules’. A mule is an unlikely offspring of a horse and donkey – and for coins it reflects accidentally mismatched heads and tails.
He says: ‘In 2008 Royal Mint produced 20p mules when the date was moved from the tails to the heads side.
‘Unfortunately, the first batch accidentally also kept the old heads so the date of manufacture of the coin was missed off altogether. About 100,000 were made before the fault was discovered – these now fetch more than £70 each.’
Gold dust: Egyptian King Farouk, right, owned a ‘Double Eagle’
But the retired teacher, from Towcester, adds: ‘Be wary of fakes. Do not buy coins blind off the internet – some forgeries are of high quality and it is necessary for an expert to validate authentic examples by studying them in person.
‘The British Association of Numismatic Societies can provide details of local clubs that will be able to help – and your nearest museum can also offer free guidance.
‘If you buy from companies signed up to the British Numismatic Trade Association then you also have a guarantee that if a coin is later found to be a fake then you will get a full refund of your money.’
Another relatively recent mule produced was in 1983 in a small batch of 2p coins with the words ‘New Pence’ instead of ‘Two Pence’ – creating an investment coin that can sell for £700.
Occasionally, limited manufacturing runs also add to the appeal. For example, if you find a 50p piece in the bottom of your pocket with a picture of Kew Gardens on the back then you have a coin that can sell for £24. Only 210,000 of these coins were minted to mark the 250th anniversary of the Royal Botanic Gardens in 2009 and collectors love them.
One of the rarest of all is the fewer than a dozen One Penny coins that were produced in 1933 as special pieces to be buried under new church foundations – and are valued at £30,000 each.
In 1954 a few pennies were struck as a trial for new dies that were being produced. All but one of these coins was destroyed. The survivor is worth £50,000.
Listen: The reader Royal Mint left with £29k of 'worthless' coins
WITH THESE FOUR YOU'LL REALLY MAKE A MINT
9th Century Coenwulf gold coin. £357,832
A treasure hunter walking his dog unearthed the ancient gold coin near Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, in 2001. The bloodthirsty Anglo-Saxon King Coenwulf ruled Mercia from 796 to 821 and later conquered much of East Anglia and Kent. This made him the most powerful ruler in Britain and he conquered much of what became England a century later. The coin was bought by the British Museum in 2006.
Hair-raising:The dollar from 1794 sold for £7million
1343 Edward III ‘Double Leopard’ Florin. £460,000
One of only three coins of its type known to have survived, it broke the world record for a British coin sale in 2006 after being discovered by a metal detector treasure hunter in England. The coin is known as the double leopard – due to having two leopard heads pictured either side of the king on his throne – and has a face value of six shillings.
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar. £7million
The first silver dollar officially minted in the United States sold for a world record price for a coin in 2013. The coin shows a profile of Miss Liberty surrounded by stars – representing each of the 15 states in the union at the time.
1933 American Double Eagle. £5.3million
In a bid to end the Great Depression, America quit the gold standard – a system where currencies were pegged to the value of gold – in 1933 and ordered all new gold coins to be melted down.
But a few of the $20 St Gaudens-designed ‘Double Eagles’ escaped. The Secret Service tracked down most of the survivors and destroyed them.
But in 2002 a rare 1933 Double Eagle once believed to be owned by Egyptian King Farouk was sold for £5.3million.
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FAQs
In our experience, a commemorative coins' value usually lies in the fact it's a collectable item. If it's rare, it will probably be worth far more than its face value. Non-circulating commemorative coins are particularly sought after and treasured by collectors for their aesthetic appeal or rarity value.
What is the new Royal Mint coin for the Queen? ›
The Memorial Sovereign 2022
A memorial edition of The Sovereign, The Royal Mint's flagship coin, struck to honour the remarkable reign and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.
Are Jubilee mint coins worth anything? ›
In short, the Royal Mint's Platinum Jubilee coins are worth no more than their face value currently. As they are still available to purchase and came out this year, it is unlikely for them to be resold for more than their original prices.
What is the most valuable coin to collect? ›
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar: $13,311,850
But over two centuries later, this rare coin has achieved the status as the most expensive coin in the world. The Flowing Hair Silver Dollar was the first US silver dollar coin, minted from 1794 to 1795.
What is a 5 coin worth? ›
Commemorative £5 coins value
The true value of these commemorative £5 coins is as a 'numismatic' or collectible coin, rather than anything based on their legal tender value. Traditionally they were denominated as a quarter of a pound, 5 shillings before decimalisation, or 25p today.
How do I find out how much my coin is worth? ›
Get your coin officially appraised by a coin appraiser.
Professional coin appraisers and dealers can give you the most accurate, up-to-date value of your coin. They will base their appraisal on their expert opinion of the coin's condition.
What is the rarest Royal Mint coin? ›
The shape of the 50 pence made it the ideal canvas for special commemorative designs, and over 70 events, anniversaries and individuals have been celebrated on circulating 50 pence pieces. The famous 2009 Kew Gardens 50p remains the most coveted coin in circulation, with a mintage of just 210,000.
What is the 2023 coin with the Queen? ›
In early 2023, coin collectors will see a period of transition, with coins released featuring either the 2023 Jody Clark Commonwealth Effigy or the 2023 Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Obverse.
How much is a 5 jubilee coin worth? ›
The Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen 2022 £5 Coin
United States Dollars (USD) prices are estimated based on an exchange rate of £1 = $1.261527. This is an approximate price in USD; all orders are placed in Pounds Sterling (GBP) any currency conversion will be handled by your bank or debit card provider.
How much is Queen Jubilee coin worth? ›
The 2022 UK Platinum Jubilee £5 coin in Royal Mint packaging, is currently fetching £17 (a £9 increase since before Her Majesty's passing).
However, please note that whilst the coins are legal tender, banks are not obliged to accept the coins.” Shane Bissett, the Royal Mint's director of commemorative coin, said: “All our UK £5 coins are legal tender as defined by the Coinage Act 1971.
What is the hardest coin to find? ›
The one remaining specimen is carefully preserved at National Numismatic Collections at the Smithsonian Institution. The 1849 Double Eagle is currently the rarest and most valuable coin in the world, with an estimated worth of nearly $20 million.
What is the most valuable one dollar coin? ›
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar - This is the first dollar coin ever issued by the United States Mint, and only around 140 of them are believed to still exist. In 2013, one of these coins sold for $10 million at auction, making it the most expensive coin ever sold at the time.
Which year nickels are worth money? ›
What years of nickels are worth money? Many years of nickels are worth money, but the 1913 Liberty Head V is the most valuable nickel. You can find a range of nickels worth money in many years, including 1880, 1885, 1919, 1920, 1926, 1927, 1936, 1937, 1942, and 1964.
Which 5 coins are rare? ›
The UK £5 coin is a well-known collector's coin issued by the Royal Mint.
- 2017 Queen Elizabeth II Gold Five Pound NGC 69 Deep proof Like. ...
- 1887 Queen Victoria Jubilee Head Five Pound. ...
- 1980 Gold Five Sovereign Piece - NGC -PF 69 Ultra Cameo. ...
- 2022 Queen Elizabeth II UK £5 Gold Proof Coin.
As such, it is not highly valuable, but does tend to still fetch more than its original value. The silver Proof coin would be worth more with collectors, though bullion dealers such as ourselves would only be able to offer the metal value.
What is the expensive 5 coin? ›
Out of the Brilliant Uncirculated £5 coins sold in individual The Royal Mint Packs, the 2014 Queen Anne £5 is the rarest. This coin has a mintage of just 12,181 and was struck to mark the 300th anniversary since the death of Queen Anne.
What years of quarters are valuable? ›
What Years of Quarters Are Worth Money?
- 1943 Washington Quarter: Double Die.
- 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter.
- 2000 New Hampshire State Quarter.
- 1976-S Washington Quarter.
- 1950-S Washington Quarter (S Over D)
- 1962 D Washington Quarter.
- 1965 Washington Quarter.
- 1999-S Delaware State Quarter Proof.
There are several options for selling coins online. Arguably the best option is setting up your own ecommerce store as this allows you ultimate control over the selling process. However, you may also choose to sell your coins on online auctions, online marketplaces or to other coin dealers.
Is my wheat penny worth anything? ›
Any wheat penny is worth at least four cents to most dealers. Given the popularity of collecting Lincoln Wheat cents, there will always be a demand for quality coins.
The most valuable Roosevelt dime ever to be sold was minted in 1975. It lacks the “S” mintmark, identifying it as being minted in San Francisco. And it's one of only two such coins known to exist. It was first identified by a collector who bought five sets of proof coins in 1975.
Which quarters are worth saving? ›
Top 15 Most Valuable Quarters in Circulation
- 2009-D District of Columbia Double Die Quarter.
- 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarters.
- 2005 Minnesota Double Die Quarters.
- 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse Quarter.
- 1982 Washington Quarters.
- 6. 1983 Washington Quarters.
- 1932-D Washington Quarters.
- 1932-S Washington Quarters.
Silver Dollars (U.S.)
Many coin collectors consider both Peace Dollars and Morgan Dollars lucky among U.S. currency, likely because both of them contain a large amount of silver compared to other circulated currency.
Will coins with the Queen on be worth anything? ›
Jon said: “While already valuable, the value will only continue to increase in the years to come as currency featuring Queen Elizabeth II's portrait is phased out. I'd expect its value to reach at least £230 in the next decade.”
Will coins with the Queen on them be worth anything? ›
As royal expert Jonathan Sacerdoti tells E! News, “It's not like suddenly the cash in our pockets isn't going to be worth anything. Those things will be phased out gradually.” So yeah: Coins with the Queen's face on them will still be usable—as confirmed by the Royal Mint (which makes British coins) on its website.
What coins with Queen Elizabeth are worth money? ›
The List Of Valuable Queen Elizabeth II Coins
- Elizabeth II 1954 penny. Source. ...
- QUEEN ELIZABETH II SOVEREIGN 1953. Source. ...
- 2020 Britannia One Ounce Gold Coin. Source. ...
- Lord Kitchener WW1 £2 coin. Source. ...
- 1965 UK Winston Churchill One Crown. Source. ...
- 2009 Kew Gardens 50p. ...
- Princess Charlotte gold proof 5-pound coin. ...
- 8. 1983 New Pence 2P.
In 2002, four different designs of this £2 coin were created to commemorate the Commonwealth games, but the Irish version is the rarest with only 485,500 minted.
What are the rarest 2 coins? ›
Change Checker has noted that the rarest £2 coins in circulation were all created to mark the Commonwealth Games 2002 collection. The sporting event was hosted in Manchester, which was won by Australia. The most sought-after is the Northern Ireland version, of which there are only 485,500 in circulation.
What is the oldest queen coin? ›
The first coins that were issued bearing Elizabeth II's portrait were introduced in 1953, one year after the Queen acceded to the throne. This portrait is called the First Definitive UK Coin Portrait. The engraving by the sculptor, Mary Gillick, captures the grace and youth of the 26 year old new queen.
What is the special queens coin? ›
The Platinum Jubilee £5 Coin
| Year of Issue | 2022 |
| Alloy | Fully layered in pure Platinum |
| Quality | Proof – the highest possible quality |
| Weight | 25 grams |
| Diameter | 38.60 mm |
7 more rowsFollowing her passing on September 8th, 2022, these coins have been issued as a gift to the nation, helping to honour the incredible life of Queen Elizabeth II and pay tribute to her unwavering devotion to the people of Britain and the world, while helping us to remember Her Majesty's admirable leadership and awe- ...
Is it worth buying the jubilee coin? ›
He says: 'It might come in fancy packaging with a certificate of authenticity, but this jubilee coin is intrinsically worth the same as any other sovereign coin. ' The modern gold sovereign has a face value of £1 and currently changes hands for about £340.
Will banks accept 5 coins? ›
In practice this means that although the silver UK coins we produce in denominations of £5, £20, £50 and £100 are approved as legal tender, they have been designed as limited edition collectables or gifts and will not be entering general circulation. As such, UK shops and banks are unlikely to accept them.
How many Queen Jubilee coins are there? ›
The maximum coin mintage is set at 5,000,070 coins – in a special nod to 70 years on the throne.
How rare is a Platinum Jubilee coin? ›
The late Queen - who passed away last September at the age of 96 - celebrated her Platinum Jubilee in June 2022. To celebrate the occasion, Hattons of London created only 5,999 coins as part of their collector's item range.
How much is a jubilee 50 cent coin worth? ›
Features
| Issuer | Australia |
|---|
| Queen | Elizabeth II (1952-2022) |
| Type | Circulating commemorative coin |
| Year | 1977 |
| Value | 50 Cents 0.50 AUD = USD 0.34 |
10 more rowsIf you have gold, silver or platinum bullion coins and bars to sell, The Royal Mint will offer you a competitive buy back rate based on live gold, silver or platinum prices. We will quote to buy your coins and bars at 98% of our current gold bid price if stored within The Vault™.
What penny is worth millions? ›
Most Valuable Pennies
| Penny | Last-Known Value |
|---|
| 1793 Strawberry Leaf Cent | $862,000 |
| 1944-S Steel Wheat Penny | $408,000 |
| 1943-S Lincoln Cent Struck on Bronze | $282,000 |
| 1909 VDB Matte Proof Lincoln Penny | $258,000 |
6 more rowsApr 13, 2023
Tiyin
| Value | 0.01 Uzbekistani soum |
| Mass | 1.75 g |
| Diameter | 16.9 mm |
| Obverse |
|---|
| Reverse |
|---|
5 more rowsThe lowest-value coin of all is the Tiyin from Uzbekistan. Some 3,038 equate to one UK penny (and 2,000 tot up to one US cent). In practice, however, while these coins are legal tender, you would struggle to find them in everyday life.
According to the NGC Price Guide, as of May 2023, a Susan B Anthony Coin from 1979 in circulated condition is worth between $1.05 and $1.35. However, on the open market 1979 D Silver Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $1950.
What makes a 1971 half dollar rare? ›
The silver planchets from the previous year that had remained in the factories made their way into the minting process. Thus, the rare silver 1971 half dollar came into existence with around 40% silver. The rarest type of 1971 half dollar is the 1971-D Planchet error. It is also the most expensive 1971 half dollar.
Why is a 1964 nickel worth so much? ›
The 1964 nickel was the last 5-cent coin to bear mint marks till 1968. The rare 1964 nickel entails a sharper appearance than previous Jefferson nickels. The proof 1964 nickel portrays the appearance most and can retail for approximately $4 to $7. A specific type of error can make a 1964 nickel rare.
What year nickels are mostly silver? ›
The easiest way to determine whether you have a silver war nickel is to simply check the date. All nickels produced in 1942, 1943, 1944, and 1945 are made from 35% silver.
What are your top 5 coins? ›
2 trillion crypto market.
- Bitcoin (BTC) Market cap: $US545 billion. ...
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Because there were plenty of 1977 silver dollars struck that mintage year, there aren't that many rare varieties of the coin. That said, uncirculated 1977 silver dollars in the higher grades (MS67 and above) are incredibly rare, making them extremely valuable.
What are the most expensive jubilee coins? ›
In May 2022, The Royal Mint unveiled its largest ever Platinum Jubilee gold coin to mark the late Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years on the throne. Weighing 15kg and with a diameter of 220mm (8.6in), the coin took nearly 400 hours to make and has a face value of £15,000.
Which quarters are worth $35000? ›
Here's How To Spot Them! Do you notice anything different about this quarter?
Which quarter is worth $200? ›
It's Worth Checking Your Spare Change. A single quarter could be worth more than $200 — and it has nothing to do with inflation. The U.S. Sun reported in 2022 that a rare quarter — minted in the year 2000 with an error on it — has sold for $216 on eBay.
Are 1776 to 1976 quarters worth anything? ›
1776-1976 D Washington Quarter Value
According to the NGC Price Guide, as of May 2023, a Washington Quarter from 1776-1976 in circulated condition is worth between $0.30 and $0.85. However, on the open market 1776-1976 D Quarters in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $7000.
Don't clean your coins! Not only does this cut their value by as much as half (or possibly even more), but it will be an immediate deal-breaker for many dealers who would've otherwise wanted to buy your coins if only they were left in their original condition.
What coins are good to sell? ›
The most sought-after coins, based on demand and value, are 1822 Half Eagle, 1796 Liberty Cap Cent, 1838- O Half Dollar, 1344 Edward III Gold “Double Leopard” Florin, 1829 Capped Head Left Half Eagle, and 1794 Liberty Cap Half Cent.
Are souvenir coins legal? ›
Although these coins are legal tender, they are not minted for general circulation. Each commemorative coin is produced by the United States Mint in limited quantity and is only available for a limited time.
What do souvenir coins do? ›
The coins are used to craft special equipment to be used by the player, such as the Kindle Pops or the Fireworks Trap, inside a Souvenir Coin Machine. The player requires three Souvenir Coins to craft an item from the machine. The colour combination of the three coins determines the prize given.
What are souvenir coins made of? ›
Most popular alloys for souvenirs: Nickel Silver. Nordic Gold. Cupronickel.
How much is a 1977 silver jubilee coin worth? ›
The loose versions have no real value apart from their nominal value of 25p.
Is Royal Mint legit? ›
The Royal Mint (RM) is the world's leading export mint, making coins and medals for an average of 60 countries every year. However, its first responsibility is to make and distribute United Kingdom coins as well as to supply blanks and official medals. RM works with HM Treasury.
Can you make a living selling old coins? ›
Selling coins can be a very lucrative business. However, time must be taken to learn which coins can be sold at a profit. Once you've established a system for finding and buying coins under the market value, selling coins on your online store or via auction can generate substantial profits.
How do you store souvenir coins? ›
For high-value coins, use hard plastic holders. Professional coin grading services use sealed holders called slabs to protect authenticated and graded coins. Use acid-free cardboard and plastic holders free from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Acid and PVC can ruin a coin's surface.
What do coin collectors look for in coins? ›
You'll want to look for die cracks and missing elements, paying particular attention to words printed on the coin and edges of images. Strike mistakes such as doubling, cracks, and missing sections are also common errors that can increase the value of a coin.
A rare copper penny, considered a 'holy grail' in coins, has been found in a boy's lunch money.
Are coins a good investment? ›
Coin collecting can be for everyone, and the investment potential is high. For serious collectors or investors, coins are a tangible asset that easily hedge against inflation while also adding some solid diversity to your portfolio.
What are fake coins called? ›
A slug is a counterfeit coin that is used to make illegal purchases from a coin-operated device, such as a vending machine, payphone, parking meter, transit farebox, copy machine, coin laundry, gaming machine, or arcade game.
How much is the Queens Jubilee coin worth? ›
The 2022 UK Platinum Jubilee £5 coin in Royal Mint packaging, is currently fetching £17 (a £9 increase since before Her Majesty's passing).
How much is a queen jubilee coin? ›
The Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen 2022 £5 Coin
United States Dollars (USD) prices are estimated based on an exchange rate of £1 = $1.25745.
