An eBay listing in County Durham has caught the attention of coin collectors and curious shoppers alike, after a 2018 Tailor of Gloucester 50p coin was put up for sale at an eye-watering £20,086.72.

The coin is part of the highly sought-after Beatrix Potter 50p collection, released by the Royal Mint between 2016 and 2018 to mark the 150th anniversary of the children’s author.

A 2018 Tailor of Gloucester 50p coin is listed on eBay for £20,086.72.

The coin is part of the Beatrix Potter 50p collection, released by the Royal Mint between 2016 and 2018 to mark the 150th anniversary of the children’s author.

Designed by Emma Noble, the Tailor of Gloucester coin features the image of a mouse perched on a reel of thread, reading a newspaper — a beloved scene from Potter’s classic tale.

The seller, based in County Durham, describes the coin as “extremely rare”.

While the Royal Mint confirms that just 3.9 million Tailor of Gloucester coins were minted in 2018, making it one of the rarer coins in the Beatrix Potter set, experts at the Mint urge caution over the listing price.

“This coin is certainly collectable and does have value above its face value,” said a spokesperson from the Royal Mint.

“However, prospective buyers should always research current market trends. Listings at inflated prices don’s necessarily reflect real-world sales.”

The Beatrix Potter 50p series has proven enormously popular among UK collectors, with characters such as Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, and Jemima Puddle-Duck capturing imaginations — and generating a bustling secondary market.

While many of the coins can be found in circulation, uncirculated or error versions often attract premium prices online.

Despite that, few coins actually sell for the thousands sometimes advertised. Online platforms like eBay are often flooded with similar listings, some genuine and others speculative.

“It’s the equivalent of a digital treasure hunt,” said one Durham-based coin enthusiast.

“But buyers should be wary of hype and focus on condition, rarity, and verified value.”

What makes a coin valuable?

The 50 pence piece has become the most valued and collected coin in the UK, with many collectable designs appearing on its heptagonal canvas.

Its 27.5mm diameter makes it the largest of any British coin, and allows space for decorative pictures. It has often been used to celebrate big events over the past 50 years of British history.

The rarest coins tend to be of the greatest value, with the mintage (number of coins with each design made) being the fundamental attraction for collectors.

The way in which it is sold can also determine the coin’s value – while some coin collectors will bid vast amounts of money on eBay or at auction, others opt for more robust valuations by selling via a coin dealer.

Royal Mint top 10 most valuable 50p coins

Here is a list of the top 10 most valuable coins, when they were made, and how many were minted:

Atlantic Salmon (2023), 200,000

Kew Gardens (2009), 210,000

Olympic Wrestling (2011), 1,129,500

Olympic Football (2011), 1,161,500

Olympic Judo (2011), 1,161,500

Olympic Triathlon (2011), 1,163,500

Peter Rabbit (2018), 1,400,000

Flopsy Bunny (2018), 1,400,000

Olympic Tennis (2011), 1,454,000

Olympic Goalball (2011), 1,615,500

The listing can be found on eBay here.

*Just because a coin is listed at the price, it doesn't mean they sell for this price - the information in this article reflects that and has quotes from the Royal Mint to reflect that also.*