This specific coin from 2008 is extremely scarce and sought after and could sell for hundreds of pounds to the right buyer.
An expert has urged Brits to check their change for a rare and valuable 50p coin that could fetch hundreds of pounds if sold to collectors. The elusive 2008 piece features two beloved Christmas characters and could be worth a staggering £650.
This coin, called the “Snowman and James coin”, was designed to celebrate the beloved Raymond Briggs book The Snowman from 1978. More specifically, this coin is a territory coin, hailing from the Isle of Man – but is legal tender throughout the UK.
An expert, known online as the Coin Collector UK, took to social media platform TikTok to explain more. He said: “£600 to £650 for this Snowman and James 50p.
“So, if you didn’t know already, territory Christmas 50ps can be worth some serious money. They range really from anywhere from about £12 pounds up to £650.”
However, he admitted it is “unlikely” to find coins from the territories such as the Isle of Man in the UK. He continued: “The likelihood of finding them in your change in the UK is quite unlikely because obviously they are territories. I have come across them every now and again but I’ve never managed to find the Christmas one.”
The Britannia Coin Company explained that this 2008 coin is part of a wider Snowman-themed collection that started in 2003. It said: “This 2008 coin, struck for the 30th anniversary, recreates the 2003 design showing James and his snowy companion ready to take to the air in front of some seasonal fir trees.”
However, the company described this piece as “extremely scarce” and “sought after”. This coin was listed on their website for a price of £750.