Rare £2 coin worth over £1,200 could be hiding in your change - how to spot it

Households are being advised to check their change as a special £2 coin worth over £1,200 could be hiding in there. The coin was created to commemorate the European Championship

Households are being urged to check their change as a special £2 coin could be hiding in there and it's worth over £1,200 to collectors. The coin was created to commemorate the European Championship football tournament which was hosted in England in 1996.

The coin has a football on the back of it, with the year 1996 in the centre. It's thought there are still thousands of these coins in circulation around Britain.

This means they could be in your change, down the back of the sofa or in your car. The coins have been valued at a whopping £1,269, with collectors eager to get their hands on them.

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Being England, the competition ultimately ended in heartbreak as the Three Lions, featuring the likes of Paul Gascoigne, lost out on penalties in the semi-final to Germany. The Britannia Coin Company said: "These collectable coins were released by The Royal Mint in the run-up to the 1996 UEFA European Championships which was hosted by England," reports the Mirror.

"The competition - known informally as the Euros - has been held every four years since 1960. The England team didn’t win Euro 96 and haven't taken home the trophy yet but that hasn't stopped this commemorative £2 from becoming popular among sporting fans and collectors of British coins."

Currently, coin collectors can buy one from dealer Chards for a cool £1,269.05. Meanwhile, eBay traders are pushing variations with price tags of £1,996 and £2,990.

It's always worth checking your money for unusual-looking coins, according to experts. Chris Yang, co-founder of Coins Value, previously told The Star : "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.

"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."