Check your wallets and purses right now; a unique 25p coin might be lurking inside, potentially worth hundreds of pounds.
One of these exceptional 25p coins has already surfaced, and it is expected to be auctioned for approximately £700.
This rare 25p piece is frequently confused with a 20p coin due to their striking resemblance, and it is believed that only 50 remain in circulation.
This rarity renders this uncommon 25p coin more precious than the rare Kew Gardens 50p coins, of which there are 210,000 still in existence.
The coin was discovered among a collection of change many years ago by its owner, who subsequently preserved it in a jewelry box.
However, there are some notable differentiating features; the 25p coin displays a shield on one side and the sovereign’s orb on the other.
Produced by the Royal Mint, experts at that time were uncertain whether this new coin would be valued as 20p or 25p.
Thus, this coin is referred to as a ‘trial piece’ or a ‘pattern coin’.
To identify these coins, the phrases ‘experimental coin’ and ‘Royal Mint trial’ are inscribed on them.
The 25p coin will be auctioned online on September 25 at RWB Auctions in Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire.
An expert from RWB Auctions commented: ‘This is an intriguing item, not just because of its rarity but also as a reflection of what our currency could have been.
‘Currently, 20p coins are a standard part of our change, yet the Royal Mint appears to have explored various concepts before finalizing the heptagonal coin we all recognise today.’
This coin will be part of a specialized auction featuring historical and modern currency.
Contact our news team by sending an email to webnews@metro.co.uk.
For additional stories of this nature, visit our news page.
