Here’s how to find these sought-after pieces
People have been urged to search through their loose change for three sought-after Christmas-themed coins that could “make you rich”. An expert suggests these coins together might fetch more than £8,000.
A specialist known as the Coin Collecting Wizard disclosed what collectors should be seeking in a video uploaded to social media platform TikTok. “Christmas coins that will make you rich,” he said.
He initially highlighted a specific 50p piece from Gibraltar that displays an unusual minting error. It bears the date 1990 but mistakenly features artwork from the 1989 edition.
Although Gibraltar currency isn’t accepted as legal tender in the UK, these coins frequently enter British circulation owing to their comparable appearance. This mule error coin could potentially be worth an impressive £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 described: “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.
“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.”
Furthermore, he advised looking out for a 50 pence piece from 2003, which portrays a scene from The Snowman. The coin specialist remarked: “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 expanded on its appeal, observing that the coin showcases an illustration of the beloved snowman waltzing with the young character James. He said: “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 explored the background of vintage coins recognised as wreath crowns, so called for their “distinctive reverse design”.
He concluded: “These highly collectable 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.”
