Shakespeare Coin for Sale: Rare Find or Fool's Gold?

A Shakespeare £2 coin is listed for thousands, but is it really worth it? Dive into the world of rare coins and find out if this is a must-have or a pass.

Yo, coin collectors and Shakespeare buffs! Word on the street is a Herefordshire resident is slingin' a £2 Shakespeare coin on eBay for over £5,000. That's 2,500 times its face value! But is this 'rare' coin a real treasure or just a bunch of hype?

The Bard on a Buck (or Two)

This ain't your average pocket change. The seller claims this particular coin, featuring designs inspired by Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet, is a rare find. Minted in 2016 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death, it shows a skull and a rose. Sounds kinda metal for a coin, right?

According to Copes Coins, this coin is part of a trio released by the Royal Mint. Designed by artist John Bergdahl, it captures the essence of Shakespeare's tragic romances. The mintage is 4,615,000, making it the second-lowest of the three Shakespeare coins. While that's not super low, Copes Coin suggests collectors might want it for its “thematic resonance.”

The Real Value?

Now, here's where things get interesting. While the eBay seller is dreaming of thousands, Copes Coins estimates a coin in good condition might only fetch around £5.50. Ouch! However, they do note that the coin's value is “steadily increasing.” So, maybe hold onto it for a while?

Adding another layer to the rare coin game, a 1973 copper 10p coin recently sold at auction for a good price. This was due to a minting error and shows that checking your change with an eagle eye can still turn up rare and unusual coins.

So, Should You Buy It?

Look, whether or not you should drop serious cash on this Shakespeare coin depends on your level of obsession (and your budget). Are you a die-hard collector? Do you have a soft spot for the Bard? Then maybe, just maybe, it's worth a punt. But don't expect to retire off this thing.

My take? Do your homework. Check reputable sources like Copes Coins. Don't get caught up in the eBay hype. And remember, sometimes the real treasure is just enjoying a good play (or a perfectly brewed cup of tea).

Final Thoughts

Whether you're hunting for a rare Shakespeare coin or just trying to make sense of your spare change, remember to keep your eyes peeled and your expectations realistic. You never know what little piece of history might be hiding in your pocket! Happy hunting, coin enthusiasts!