A rare 50p coin has sold for a staggering 468 times its face value after sparking a bidding war online.
Many coins are worth more than their original value, with collectors all too keen to snap them up. Particularly rare ones can often sell for thousands of pounds.
One 50p coin is estimated to be worth around £140, meaning an eBay seller got a lot more than theirs was worth earlier this month.
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The coin was released in 2009 to mark 250 years since Kew Gardens opened in 1759 and the Royal Mint estimate around 210,000 were made. It features the famous Chinese Pagoda at the Royal Botanic Garden on the tails side with the Queen's face as normal on the other.
According to its online listing, the "Rare 100% Genuine 2009 Kew Gardens 50p Coin In Excellent Circulated Condition" had a starting price of 99p. But after a 26-way bidding war quickly ensued, the price quickly jumped up to a huge £234, plus £7.95 express delivery.
With this in mind, it could be well worth checking your loose change, as well as in pockets and down the couch, to see if you have a Kew Gardens 50p.
However if you do, the first thing you should do is check the date on it. This is because the Royal Mint reissued a batch of the coins in 2019 to celebrate 50 years of the 50p, and this version doesn’t tend to sell for as much.
But you could still be in for an exciting payday if you find one of these, as they can sell for between £70 and £80 on eBay.
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