If you have this rare 2p coin hidden amongst your change, you might be sitting on a small fortune

Some 2p coins were created in error and have specific wording on them. That's why they are highly sought after by collectors. And they could be worth more than £1,000.

If you have this rare 2p coin hidden amongst your change, you might be sitting on a small fortune.

Some 2p coins were created in error and have specific wording on them. That's why they are highly sought after by collectors. And they could be worth more than £1,000.

These coins are prized due to an error made by the Royal Mint when they were created. Produced in 1983 they incorrectly bear the words “new pence” instead of “two pence”.

This is because all 2p coins struck between 1971 and 1981 were labelled “new pence”. Although this was then changed to “two pence” in 1982, some were made in error, reports the Mirror.

In a video on TikTok, an expert known online as the Coin Collecting Wizard said: “This is the one you want.” He told people to hold off spending the coin if you find it amongst your change.

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He added: “If you ever come across a 2p coin from 1983 with ‘new pence’ on it instead of ‘two pence’, don’t spend it - you could be holding a rare minting error worth thousands of pounds. In 1983, the Royal Mint officially changed the wording from ‘new pence’ to ‘two pence’ - but a few coins slipped through the net with the old wording.

“These weren’t meant for circulation, so finding one is a serious collector’s win.” To ensure you don’t accidentally spend one of these coins he offered some advice.

The expert added: “Top tip: Flip your 1983 2p coins and check the wording. If it says ‘new pence’ - you’ve struck treasure!”

Also speaking on TikTok, experts at Change Checker estimated these coins could sell for around £1,000. They said: “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.”

The Royal Mint says on its website: "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.

"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." At the time of reporting, an example of this coin was listed on eBay for £2,499.95.

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