The value of an English coin can vary greatly depending on several factors, both for modern and older currency.
The current circulating coins in the UK are: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, and £2. Most coins in circulation are generally worth their face value.
- Rarity: Coins with low mintages or those where few examples survive are highly sought after by collectors . Examples of rare coins include the 1933 George V Penny (estimated value £72,000) and the 1703 Queen Anne Vigo Five-Guineas (potentially over £1 million).
- Condition/Grade: A coin’s condition is crucial, with higher grades fetching better prices. The Sheldon Scale (1-70) is used to grade coins, with MS-70 representing perfect condition.
- Demand/Popularity: Certain coins become popular with collectors, driving up demand and consequently their value.
- Mint Marks: Coins with specific mint marks, indicating their origin, can be more desirable.
- Intrinsic Value: Coins containing precious metals like gold or silver have a “melt value” that contributes to their overall worth.
- Professional Grading Services: For valuable coins, using services like PCGS, NGC, or ANACS for authentication and grading is essential.
- Price Guides: The NGC World Price Guide offers a searchable database covering coins from 1600 to the present.
- Coin Dealers & Auctions: Reputable coin dealers and auctions are good sources for buying and selling rare coins and obtaining appraisals.
- 1933 George V Penny: Considered one of the most valuable pennies, with only 7 believed to have been issued.
- 1703 Queen Anne “Vigo” Five Guineas: Extremely rare coins minted from gold captured at the Battle of Vigo Bay.
- 1839 Una and the Lion Gold £5: Highly regarded for its artistry, with only 300 to 500 originally minted.
- 1937 Edward VIII Pattern Coins: Rare due to Edward VIII’s abdication before his coronation, these coins were never officially released.
Note: It’s crucial to be cautious of scams and to seek expert advice when dealing with potentially valuable coins.
How do I find the value of my UK coins?
From my experience, If you want to know how much your coin is worth, the Seaby Standard Catalogue of British Coins is a great reference book that lists the ‘catalogue’ price of most British coins. However, it’s important to remember that just because a coin is listed in a price guide, it doesn’t mean there is a demand for it.
Are any English coins valuable?
Great question! 1917 George V Gold Sovereign
Any 1917 sovereign surviving today has survived both a world war and the melting pot, making it very scarce and highly valuable. The coin features Benedetto Pistrucci’s famous St George and the Dragon design on the reverse, and the portrait of King George V on the obverse.
What are the British coin amounts?
1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2. So remember you cannot get a 15p coin etc. There are 4 notes that are used in England. The smallest is a £5 note, then £10, £20 and the largest legal note is a £50 note.
Where can I lookup the value of a coin?
The Coinoscope mobile app makes coin identification and valuation easy – just snap a picture of a coin with your phone camera and the app will show you a list of similar coins. It is fast and accurate.