Many people keep spare coins in their pockets or find them hidden in their homes without realizing their true value. If you have a special 50p coin in your collection, it could be worth a fortune. A rare error coin, linked to the UK’s departure from the European Union, has surfaced and is now making headlines.
This coin, known as the Brexit 50p, was initially meant to be released on October 31, 2019, but due to delays in Brexit, the date was changed to January 31, 2020. However, some of the earlier versions with the wrong date managed to survive, making them incredibly valuable.
What Is the Brexit 50p Coin?
The Brexit 50p coin was issued to commemorate the historic day when the UK officially left the European Union. The final version, which was widely circulated, features the correct date—January 31, 2020. The design includes the inscription: “Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations.”
Initially, the Royal Mint had planned to release the coins on October 31, 2019, which was the UK’s original Brexit deadline. However, when Brexit was delayed, all coins with the incorrect date were supposed to be melted down.
![Rare 50p coin](https://theoctant.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Rare-50p-coin-1024x538.webp)
How Rare Is the Brexit 50p With the Wrong Date?
It was believed that none of the October 31, 2019, coins made it into circulation because they were recalled and destroyed. But now, two examples have been discovered, making them extremely rare. Due to their scarcity, collectors and investors are willing to pay high prices for these error coins.
Gregory Edmund, an expert from Spink and Son auction house, compared the discovery of these coins to finding Willy Wonka’s ‘golden ticket.’ Because of strict security measures at the Royal Mint, the fact that two coins have survived is extraordinary.
How Much Could These Coins Be Worth?
Since these coins are considered highly rare, their value at auction is expected to be at least £40,000. Some experts believe the price could go even higher, possibly breaking records for the most expensive circulating coin sold at auction.
For comparison, the auction house previously sold a rare 1965 gold halfpenny with an error for £42,000. If more Brexit error coins are discovered, they could become even more valuable.
How Were These Coins Found?
The two rare coins were found by lucky individuals who noticed them in their spare change. This means that other copies might still be out there, waiting to be discovered. If you come across a Brexit 50p coin, it’s worth checking the date on it.
What Should You Do If You Find One?
If you happen to find a Brexit 50p coin with the date October 31, 2019, you could be holding a very valuable item. Here’s what you should do:
- Verify the Coin – Check the date on the coin to see if it matches the incorrect October 31, 2019, version.
- Consult a Professional – Reach out to numismatic experts or auction houses, such as Spink and Son, to authenticate your coin.
- Protect Your Coin – Store it safely in a protective case to prevent damage. The better the condition, the higher the value.
- Consider Selling at Auction – Rare coins like this often fetch the highest prices at auctions rather than through direct sales.
![Rare 50p coin worth](https://theoctant.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Rare-50p-coin-worth.webp)
The Royal Mint’s Response
So far, the Royal Mint has not confirmed whether more of these error coins exist. However, given that two have already surfaced, collectors remain hopeful that more could be in circulation. The discovery of these coins is a significant moment in numismatic history, as error coins of this magnitude are extremely rare.
Conclusion
Finding a rare coin in your pocket change is every collector’s dream, and the discovery of these Brexit 50p error coins proves that valuable finds can still happen. With an estimated auction price of at least £40,000, these coins are now among the most sought-after in recent history. If you have a Brexit 50p coin, it’s worth checking the date—you might just be holding a hidden fortune!
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
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Filza specializes in simplifying financial topics for everyday readers. Whether breaking down Canada’s tax guides or U.S. benefits like SNAP and VA Disability, Filza’s relatable writing style ensures readers feel confident and informed. Follow her insights on LinkedIn or reach out via email at [email protected].