There were only thought to be seven of these coins ever made, making them extremely sought after
An expert has reminded Brits to keep an eye out for an ultra-rare penny coin that could be worth more than £100,000. His advice comes after reportedly spotting the piece on eBay for an eye-watering price of £120,000.
The coin in question is a 1p coin dated 1933. Its rarity stems from the fact that only an estimated six or seven were minted by the Royal Mint. The reverse of this precious penny showcases the image of Britannia wielding a trident, while King George V’s portrait is on the other side.
Regarding the coin, the Royal Mint website explains: “No record was kept at the time of how many pennies dated 1933 were made but it is thought to be no more than six or seven. With no precise record of the number made, and with the coin having been struck to ordinary circulation standard, it seemed possible that one might turn up in everyday use, prompting a generation to search their change for the rare but ultimately elusive penny of 1933.”
It is thought to be one of the most expensive and most sought-after coins in the UK. In 2016, one of the coins sold for an impressive £72,000 at a London auction.
But speaking on social media platform TikTok, an expert known as the Coin Collecting Wizard told his followers that he had “finally” found one of these coins on eBay. He explained: “Well, it has finally happened.
“A 1933 penny has appeared on eBay currently at £120,000. Have you ever heard about the 1933 penny?”
He went into more detail: “Generations of people searched through their change in the hope of finding one.” If this coin was genuine it could mean there are more than seven of these coins in existence.
“Experts have always worked on the assumption that only seven such coins were minted,” he continued. “And if genuine, this one would be worth at least £100,000.
“By yesterday, bidding had reached a little over £90,000, while the owner listed as Suzanne X failed to respond to email requests for more information.” His video was uploaded on May 7, and at the time of reporting, the listing on eBay seemed to have been removed.
He added: “The Royal Mint had no plans to make any pennies in 1933 because there were already plenty around. However, a small number were produced following requests for a commemorative coin.
“Experts have always worked on the basis there were seven. Assuming the coin is genuine, the owner could be sitting on a life-changing amount.”
But he did issue a warning. “However, coin collectors are always wary that criminals might be trying to cash in by creating fakes,” he said.