This coin is only valuable if it features two specific letters on one side – here’s what to look for
An expert has urged Brits to check their change for a penny coin that could be worth more than £2,000. This piece may seem ordinary on first glance, but a specific marking makes it extremely valuable.
As part of a video series documenting rare penny coins, an expert known online as the Coin Collecting Wizard explained more about what you should be looking for in your change. He urged viewers to keep an eye out for a penny coin dated 1919.
This coin features an image of King George V on the obverse (the head side) and a woman depicting Britannia on the reverse. However, what makes this coin particularly sought after is a small initial on its tail side.
“Today we discuss the 1919 KN penny. KN meaning King’s Norton Mint,” the expert said. “Of the two mints the King’s Norton is by far the most difficult to get.”
He described the coin in more detail. He continued: “The obverse shows a portrait of King George V by Australian sculptor Bertram McKennel.
“George V was king of the United Kingdom and the British dominions and Emperor of India from May 6 1910 until his death in 1936. The reverse shows Britannia seated with trident and shield.”
The collector revealed that you need to be looking for the letters K and N on the reverse side. This stands for the Kings Norton Mint.
He said: “It is the same as other pennies of that era with the exception of the KN Mint mark. If you are lucky enough to find the 1919 KN penny, it may surprise you that this coin can sell for over £2,000 pounds.”
On its website, the Royal Mint explains that some coins of the era were produced by Kings Norton to help meet demand. “During 1918 and 1919, The Royal Mint called upon the services of The Kings Norton Metal Company Ltd to help meet demand,” it says.
“The pennies produced by the company can be identified by a ‘KN’ mint mark near the date on the reverse of the coin.” And experts at All Coin Values said that this specific coin can be worth more than £1,900 if it is in excellent condition.
They added: “The retail value of a 1919 (Kings Norton Mint) UK penny can range from £7 to over £1,900, depending on grade, condition, desirability, and demand.”
