Some 1p coins have a very rare detail that’s all to do with the date (Image: Getty)
A 1p coin has been decribed as the “” becaue there’s only a few of them in circulation. In fact, the penny is so uncommon that finding one could fetch you £100,000 at auction.
Addressing his 218,000 followers, a money enthusiast called Coin Collecting Wizard said: “If I told you there was a penny worth £100,000, would you believe me? Well you should, and here is why!”
He further elaborates that collectors should be on the hunt for older predecimal pennies, specifically pointing out the sought-after 1933 penny from England. He explained: “1933 was an unusual year for British pennies. Why? Because technically they weren’t supposed to exist. In 1933, there were already enough pennies in circulation, so the Royal Mint decided not to produce any for general use.”
The tale takes an intriguing turn – as a handful of these coins were minted. The TikToker added: “Here’s the twist – a few were made. Experts believe around six or seven 1933 pennies were struck for things like ceremonial foundations.”
The 1933 penny is adorned with a left-facing effigy of King George V, designed by Sir Bertram Mackennal. The surrounding inscription honours the monarch with a full declaration in Latin: “GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX FID: DEF: IND: IMP.” This translates as: “George V, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britons, Defender of the Faith, and Emperor of India.”
The reverse of the coin features a seated depiction of Britannia, clutching a trident in her right hand and a Union Jack-adorned shield in her left. The inscription ‘ONE PENNY’ is present, with the date 1933 just below it.
Its scarcity, unique backstory, and status as a “celebrity coin” make it incredibly valuable. But this makes the 1p pieces very tricky to find.
The money guru added: “One of these rare coins sold for over £72,000 in 2016 at auction. So imagine finding that in your attic!
“Don’t get your hopes up, counterfeits are everywhere. Most 1933 pennies you see online are fakes. Whether you’re a coin collector or just fascinated by history, the 1933 penny remains a piece of British numismatic lore.”
More ways to spot a rare coin
- Check the date and mintmark – some coins become rare due to their date of minting or the mintmark that identifies where they were created. Low mintage numbers and lesser-known mints are often more valuable.
- Examine for minting errors or unique features – while you may assume that flaws make items less valuable, this isn’t the case for coins. Look for errors like double strikes, off-centre strikes, blank planchets and metal errors.
- Look at the design – some designs are linked to short production runs or historical events that make them rare. Search for coins tied to specific historical figures, events, or anniversaries, as well as commemorative pieces