Rare £2 coin could make you £300 - here's how to spot the valuable 'error' version

Coin experts are alerting people to a specific £2 coin that could net you up to £300. The 2019 coin in question is themed around the gorilla inhabitants of Jersey Zoo

Coin experts are urging people to check their pockets and drawers, as a specific £2 coin could net you up to £300.

The 2019 coin in question is themed around the gorilla inhabitants of Jersey Zoo, which have been there since it first opened. It features a close-up gold image of a gorilla and a message marking the 60th anniversary of the island's zoo.

At present, a 'standard' version of this coin is listed on eBay for a hefty £119.99.

This isn't unusual for these £2 coins, as they typically sell for around £100, according to blogger Gordon Sandeman.

However, if you happen to stumble upon an 'error' version of this coin, its value could rocket to a whopping '£300'.

"Some numpty dumpty managed to put a dye for the obverse of the 'Red Arrows' £2 (from the same year) in the machine by mistake, resulting in quite a few hybrid coins," the Great British Coin Hunt claims.

"As with all blunders in Coinworld, the 'Jersey Zoo Gorilla' with no denomination and the date only is a highly sought-after item. It also sells for between £200 and £300," reports Lancs Live.

Gorillas became a key part of Jersey Zoo's history when a five-year-old boy fell into the silverback enclosure almost 40 years ago.

This naturally caused alarm, but one gorilla named Jambo astounded spectators when he appeared to 'shield' the unconscious youngster from danger.

The devotion of Jambo, the 'Gentle Giant' gorilla to the fallen boy in his enclosure became legendary. It even earned him international admiration.

In an exclusive interview with The Mirror, Chris Yang, Co-founder of Coins Value, shared: "I have seen numerous such coins in my career. In 2010, it was sold by one client to whom we sold it for £50, and we recently valued it at £300, a rise of 500% in over ten years, which displays how valuable the coin had been regarding desirability for collectors' purposes.

"The Jersey Zoo Gorilla coin is easy to identify. The obverse carries the Queen Elizabeth II portrait, while the reverse carries the image of the gorilla, where the details are given with richness. The coin is made from cupronickel, weighs 28.28 grams, and has a diameter of 38.61mm. These features help differentiate it from any counterfeit.

"The price depends on the condition. Uncirculated coins are sold at £400 and above. In contrast, circulated ones sell for anywhere between £150 to £300, depending on the level of toning, the amount of mint lustre, and how well the finer details have been preserved."

For those without a gorilla coin, don't worry - there are plenty of other treasures possibly hiding in your attic: some of which could be worth far more.

Consider, for example, the fact that a rare 1933 coin fetched an incredible £140,000 at auction, with only seven confirmed to be in existence.

"In sum, scrutinise your coins, have them identified and graded professionally, and work with experienced numismatists to determine the real value of your coins so that you can sell them for the best price," Chris Yang, co-founder of Coins Value, concludes.

"Remember, the thrill of coin collecting isn't always about striking gold; it's about connecting with history and uncovering hidden treasures. Your old coin jar might hold more than just spare change it could be a portal to a fascinating past."