Brits are being urged to check pocket change for 1 rare coin worth up to £1,500

People are being told to check their change now for specific rare coins worth an absolute mint. It's no secret certain designs are worth more than others with a good load of versions holding a staggering value.

In recent months, we've seen a manner of designs turn heads on social media for their eye-watering worth. Previously, a rare coin collector issued an urgent warning over a 50p coin selling for £300,000 in a post Instagram. Now there's specific coins which could sell for over £1,000 as research from the experts at Playcasino.com recently revealed. The experts evaluated all coins in active UK circulation and analysed completed sales across leading auction platforms, like eBay, to determine the highest prices.

There are 10 coins in UK circulation which could sell for more than face value, for example a 50p that can flog for £1,500. So do you have any of these?

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2011 Aquatics 50p

"Lines over face" early design – up to £1,500.

Why it sells: An early London 2012 design with water lines crossing the swimmer's face was withdrawn and replaced in circulation, leaving a tiny surviving population that collectors actively chase.

2014 £2 Lord Kitchener

"No TWO POUNDS" mule – £1,000.

Why it sells: A legend is missing on the reverse (a classic "mule") – a high-profile, verifiable minting error that's scarce and easy to authenticate from photos, the experts said.

2009 Kew Gardens 50p

Up to £800–£900 (circulated examples typically lower).

Why it sells: Of course the low mintage and iconic status makes this 50p coin quite popular among collectors.

1983 2p "NEW PENCE" mule

Up to £700 if not more.

Why it sells: The obverse retained the words "NEW PENCE" after the standard changed to "TWO PENCE" – a documented minting mix-up that's one of the best-known decimal errors.

2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p

Around £70–£200.

Why it sells: Now this coin is the rarest circulating 50p to date with a mintage of just 200,000. The @CoinCollectingWizard recently revealed how this coin now surpassed the Kew Gardens 50p as the most popular.

2015 £2 Britannia

Up to £150.

Why it sells: The experts claimed these die-rotation errors are a recognised class of mint error; sharper, larger rotations command higher prices due to visibility and scarcity.

2008 undated 20p "mule"

Up to £60–£100.

Why it sells: A famous mismatched-die error during the 2008 redesign left no date on either side – the first dateless UK coin in centuries, widely publicised and still keenly sought.

2011 Olympics Football 50p ("Offside Rule")

Up to £75.

Why it sells: This is the scarcest of the London 2012 collection which was minted ahead of the games. This design has high demand from both football fans and coin collectors.

2002 Commonwealth Games £2 (Northern Ireland flag)

Up to £60.

Why it sells: This is believed to be the rarest circulating £2 of its era with collectors paying a fortune to just nab one.

2017 Sir Isaac Newton 50p

Around £50–£60 if not more.

Why it sells: This is a popular design with a good amount in circulation, anything with dye clashes or extra lines can add collectors' interest.

A spokesperson said: "Loose change is easy to overlook, but a handful of UK coins in everyday circulation have sold for hundreds – and, in rare cases, over a thousand pounds. It's worth checking pockets, coin jars and sofa cushions.

"If something looks unusual, compare it with reputable guides and recent sold results, not listings. Condition and authenticity drive value, so handle finds carefully and consider a professional opinion before you sell."