Brits are being urged to halt their daily routines and inspect their wallets immediately, as a specific 2p coin from 1983 could be worth a staggering £1,000. This rare coin has become highly sought after by collectors, with its value far exceeding its nominal face value due to a unique minting error.
What Makes This Coin So Valuable?
The coin's exceptional worth stems from an error made by the Royal Mint during its production in 1983. Instead of bearing the correct inscription "two pence," these coins incorrectly feature the words "new pence." This mistake occurred because all 2p coins minted between 1971 and 1981 were labelled "new pence," a designation that was officially changed to "two pence" in 1982. However, a small number of coins struck in 1983 inadvertently used the old reverse die, resulting in this rare variant.
Expert Guidance on Identification
In a viral TikTok video, an expert known as the Coin Collecting Wizard emphasised the importance of checking for this specific coin. He stated, "Stop right now. Did you know a 2p coin can be worth thousands? If you own this coin from 1983, you can sell it for £1,000 today." He further clarified that collectors must look for a two pence coin dated 1983 with the inscription "new pence" to qualify.
The expert shared an image of a coin set, noting, "The coin was a mistake in the 1983 Royal Mint set, and as you can see, my set unfortunately doesn't have it as it says 'two pence.' So make sure to check all 1983 sets as you might just find it." He added, "Do you have a lot of change to look through? You could be sitting on a gold mine."
Confirmation from Change Checker
Additional experts at Change Checker, also speaking on TikTok, have estimated that these coins could sell for approximately £1,000. They explained, "In 1982, the design of the 2p coin changed from saying 'new pence' to 'two pence.' However, some coins struck in 1983 used the old reverse die and therefore have the old inscription of 'new pence.' So you should check your new pence 2p coins for the date 1983 as it could fetch you up to £1,000."
Royal Mint's Official Statement
The Royal Mint has acknowledged this error on its website, stating, "In 1983, a small number of 2p coins were mistakenly struck with the wording 'new pence' on the reverse. These coins were produced to brilliant uncirculated quality—a standard higher than ordinary circulating coins—and were included in special sets intended for collectors."
They further noted, "Since there are relatively few coins with the date 1983 and the inscription 'new pence' in circulation, they may well have a value higher than face value to a collector. The Royal Mint is, however, unable to comment on the value of any individual coin and we would recommend that you should consult a coin dealer."
This revelation has sparked a wave of excitement among coin enthusiasts and the general public alike, prompting many to sift through their spare change in hopes of discovering this hidden treasure. With its historical significance and rarity, the 1983 2p coin with the "new pence" error represents a fascinating piece of numismatic history that could turn everyday pocket change into a valuable asset.
