The latest rare coin to go viral is worth a whopping five figures – so owning it could make you “rich”. Now one TikTok user detailed the special penny which is turning heads online
You know what they say – always check your rare coins.
That’s because some gems are worth an eye-watering sum, if you decide to flog online or at auction. Recently Brits were urged to look for a rare penny coin which could sell for £140,000, that’s if it features a unique detail.
And it turns out there’s another penny which could be worth looking for in your collection as it recently sold for £62,000. According to TikTok user @CoinCollectingWizard, there’s two versions of the coin – but one specific kind is what you really need.
In a clip with his 208,000 followers, he said: “Who remembers this coin? Well if you have this coin but the silver one, then you are now rich. The pre-decimal three pence was a unit of currency equalling one eightieth of a pound sterling or three pence sterling.”
He added: “It was used in the United Kingdom by the end of King George V reign, the three pence had become unpopular in England because of its small size but it remained popular in Scotland.
“This three pence of 1949 does have a lower mintage and can fetch £20 plus today depending on condition. But there is a very rare three pence which could be worth thousands and it’s the silver version dated 1945.”
Apparently owning a 1945 silver three pence could set you back a hefty £62,000. In fact, just recently the special version sold online for that enormous price tag. Since the video was shared, it racked up nearly 500 likes and dozens of comments.
One said: “I have a box full,” while another added: “My grandad had a full bag and drilled a hole in them all then used them as washers *laughing emoji*.” If you think you own this coin, it’s best to reach out to a professional.
How to tell if your coin is rare?
There are a few ways to determine the coin’s rarity, including:
Mintage: This indicates the number of specific coins made. A lower mintage means the coin is rarer and therefore more valuable. You can find the mintage figures on the Royal Mint website.
Condition: This is one of the most important factors in determining its value. Collectors prefer coins in mint condition, and even the slightest fingerprint can reduce a coin’s value.
Historic significance: The coin’s historic significance can also make it rare. For example, Edward VIII abdicated after only a few months on the throne, so no coins with his image were minted for circulation.
Design and uniqueness: Interesting designs can make a coin rare. And even one with an error, like a missing date.
