Battle of the Rare Coins Sparks Interest
Coin collectors across the UK are buzzing about two special pieces that could be hiding in your loose change. The 2017 pound coin and the 2012 fifty pence from the London Olympics are both turning heads for their hidden value. With prices climbing in recent auctions, folks are digging through their wallets to see if they have a winner. Experts say these coins show how a tiny mistake can turn everyday money into a small fortune. In this showdown, we look at what makes each one special and which might make you richer.
The 2017 Pound Coin’s Secret Error
The 2017 pound coin came out as the new twelve sided version to fight fakes. But some have a sneaky error that boosts their worth. A tiny date engraved on the edge should say 2017, but on rare ones it reads 2016 by mistake. This mix up happened during making, and not many slipped into pockets. Coin fans on sites like TikTok call it a top find. If you spot one in good nick, it could fetch up to five hundred quid at auction. That’s five hundred times its face value, making it a real gem for hunters.
Specs of the 2017 Pound Coin
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 2017 |
| Shape | Twelve sided |
| Material | Nickel brass outer, nickel plated inner |
| Error | Micro date as 2016 |
| Top Value | £500 |
The 2012 Fifty Pence Olympic Surprise
Back in 2012, the London Olympics brought out twenty nine different fifty pence coins for sports. The aquatics one stands out as rare because of a design glitch. Early versions show water lines covering the swimmer’s face, but later ones fixed it to show the face clear. Only a few of the error type got out, driving up demand. Collectors snap them up for around two hundred and forty five pounds. Other Olympic fifties like the football offside rule go for about twenty four quid, but the aquatics leads the pack in value.
Specs of the 2012 Fifty Pence Coin
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 2012 |
| Design | Aquatics swimmer |
| Material | Cupro nickel |
| Error | Water lines over face |
| Top Value | £245 |
Why These Coins Fetch Big Money
Both coins owe their fame to minting slips that make them stand out. The pound’s date error is hard to spot without a close look, while the fifty pence’s face cover adds a quirky story from the Olympics. Prices have jumped in 2025 with more people collecting. A recent sale saw an aquatics fifty pence go for over two hundred pounds on eBay, and a wrong date pound hit four hundred and fifty at a coin fair. Experts from the Royal Mint urge checking your change, as these could pay for a nice holiday.
Which One Wins the Fortune Race
In this head to head, the 2017 pound coin edges out as the bigger prize with its five hundred pound tag. The 2012 fifty pence is no slouch at two hundred and forty five, but the pound’s rarer error gives it the lead. Both remind us that old coins can hide treasures. If you think you have one, get it checked by a pro to avoid fakes. Stories like these keep the hobby alive, with new finds popping up in shops and markets every week.
Tips for Spotting Your Own Treasure
Coin hunting is easy to start. Look for odd designs or dates that don’t match. Apps and online guides help identify winners. Join clubs or follow experts on social media for tips. Remember, condition matters a lot, so keep them safe. With values rising, now’s a great time to rummage through that jar of spare change. You might just find your own fortune waiting.