Peter Rabbit 50p Coins With Errors Are Selling for Thousands

Although these coins were initially released in the Lake District, where Beatrix Potter spent her childhood summers, errors like this one now appear to be defining their true rarity.

Coins featuring errors like an extra whisker on Peter Rabbit or a half whisker are now selling for small fortunes on eBay.

The 50p coins, which were released earlier this year to celebrate Beatrix Potter's 150th birthday, have been selling for up to £2,556.72.

Coins featuring the Lake District writer's famous characters have proved popular with collectors.

However, although these coins were initially released in the Lake District, where Beatrix Potter spent her childhood summers, errors like this one appear to be defining their true rarity.

Other sellers who have spotted “errors” on their 50p Peter Rabbit coins are also selling their imperfect pieces for hundreds - or thousands - of pounds.

One seller offers a coin featuring Peter Rabbit with an extra whisker for £250, while another has one with a “rare half whisker” for £2,556.72.

Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at The Royal Mint, urged people to be wary before purchasing a coin on the secondary market. She said: "There are occasional reports of coins selling for large amounts on the secondary market, some of which seem a bit farfetched, so we want to ensure collectors have the right information and pay a fair price.

"A coin is ultimately worth what the collector is willing to pay for it, but there are factors you should consider before committing to a price. This can include the condition of the coin, its design, mintage figure and what it’s made of."

For those who have a coin and are unsure about its history, rarity or authenticity, Ms Morgan said: "We offer a range of services at The Royal Mint to help establish its likely value and help our customers build a bespoke collection. We also have a wide range of resources on our website to introduce people to the coins in their pockets and coins they might inherit from family members.”