A ‘Tale of Peter Rabbit’ 50p, released by the Royal Mint in 2016 to celebrate Beatrix Potter’s 150th birthday, has fetched a five-figure sum.
UK households have been urged to check their 50p coins after one sold for £25,000. A ‘Tale of Peter Rabbit’ 50p, released by the Royal Mint in 2016 to celebrate Beatrix Potter’s 150th birthday, has fetched a five-figure sum.
This is because of an unusual error: a ‘lump of metal’ at the bottom of Peter Rabbit’s foot. A seller has listed the coin on the online marketplace eBay for £25,086.72, with an additional £8.96 postage fee.
It comes as collectors have been urged to check their wallets as one ultra-rare 50p coin is set to be sold for more than £4,000. The item features famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes on one side and Queen Elizabeth II on the other.
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The description of the item reads: “The new 2019 Sherlock Holmes 50p fifty pence coin is a rare and collectible piece from the United Kingdom, featuring a design that pays tribute to the famous fictional detective.
“Issued during the era of Queen Elizabeth II, this coin has a fineness of 0.813 and is in XF 40 grade. Issued during the era of Queen Elizabeth II, this coin has a fineness of 0.813 and is in XF 40 grade. A valuable addition to any coin collection, this 50p denomination coin showcases iconic British cultural heritage with its portrayal of Sherlock Holmes.”
Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at The Royal Mint, said: “There are occasional reports of coins selling for large amounts on the secondary market, some of which seem a bit farfetched, so we want to ensure collectors have the right information and pay a fair price.
“A coin is ultimately worth what the collector is willing to pay for it, but there are factors you should consider before committing to a price. This can include the condition of the coin, its design, mintage figure and what it’s made of.”
Ms Morgan said: “We offer a range of services at The Royal Mint to help establish its likely value and help our customers build a bespoke collection. We also have a wide range of resources on our website to help people learn more about the coins in their pockets and coins they might inherit from family members.”