Brits with a keen eye for rare currency could be sitting on a small fortune, as coin collectors are urged to search their spare change for three special Christmas coins potentially worth over £8,000. A TikTok sensation known as the Coin Collecting Wizard, who has amassed more than 200,000 followers, highlighted the lucrative finds in a recent video.
“Christmas coins that will make you rich,” he declared. He showcased a 50p piece from Gibraltar with a unique minting error: it bears the date 1990 but mistakenly features a design from 1989.
Despite Gibraltar coins not being legal tender in the UK, they often circulate alongside British currency due to their similar design. This particular mule error coin could fetch up to £4,000.
The expert explained: “This is a 50p from Gibraltar and is known as a mule error. The obverse of this coin features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, dated 1990. ” He further noted, “This is paired with the incorrect 1989 Gibraltar Christmas design featuring a singing choir boy and a puppy wearing a Santa hat and a bow.”
He added, “Errors like this where a mismatched obverse and reverse die are used are extremely uncommon today due to advancements in modern minting technology. This coin can sell for up to £4,000 so make sure to check if you have this one.”
Coin collectors are being urged to keep an eye out for a 2003 50 pence piece featuring a scene from The Snowman. The coin expert excitedly shared: “This sought-after collectible coin is a new addition of a rare Christmas themed design first issued in 2003 inspired by Raymond Briggs’ the Snowman first published in 1978.”
He further explained its appeal, highlighting that the coin showcases an image of the eponymous snowman dancing with the young lad named James, reports Lancs Live.
He disclosed: “The 2003 Snowman and James coin was the first in a popular series, produced in partnership with Popjoy Mint to mark the 25th anniversary of the original storybook. And if you have this 50 pence, then you are looking at around £300.”
He then delved into the history of older coins known as wreath crowns, named for their “distinctive reverse design”. He concluded: “These highly collectible silver coins were produced in limited numbers, between 1927 and 1936 as holiday gifts to important clients of the Bank of England leading to their other common name, ‘Christmas crowns’. If you have this crown from 1934 then it is worth £4,000.”