If you fancy yourself a bit of a treasure hunter, it’s time to rummage through your old coin collection.
Some rare coins can fetch a pretty penny indeed, with values ranging from hundreds to thousands of pounds, far exceeding their nominal worth.
And there’s one particular penny that could turn you into an overnight sensation – the 1933 penny, believed to be valued at a staggering £100,000.
A TikTok user known as @CoinCollectingWizard, who amassed a following of 215,000, recently posted a video cautioning collectors about the dangers of cleaning their coins, which could potentially decrease their value.
He then says: “The 1933 penny is probably the rarest penny out there with only seven known to exist. The coin you see here is actually a fake copy version of this super rare coin, these are known as pre-decimal pennies from the United Kingdom that are no longer in circulation. There are many dates to look out for.”
However, he emphasises that among the valuable finds, none quite match up to the “almighty 1933 penny worth over £100,000”. This George V penny is not just rare, it’s a numismatic unicorn with only six or seven ever minted.
These were pattern coins struck by the Royal Mint, not intended for public use but rather to be placed under the cornerstones of buildings erected in 1933.
The Royal Mint reserved a select few of the 1933 pennies for institutions like the British Museum and the Royal Mint Museum. These coins can be easily confused with others due to their similar design to those minted in adjacent years.
On the obverse side, it bears the likeness of King George V, then on the reverse, Britannia is depicted wielding a trident and shield emblazoned with the Union Flag. With counterfeits and replicas of the 1933 penny being quite prevalent, it’s crucial to have them authenticated by a professional before any sale or purchase.
The TikTok video showcasing the coin has garnered over a hundred likes and numerous comments, with one user claiming: “I have that one,” and another echoing the sentiment. If you suspect you might have this rare coin, it’s advisable to consult with an expert for an accurate valuation.