Rare 50p with hidden defect is worth £1,500 and was only minted in 2011

If you've ever tossed spare change into a jar or forgotten about a few coins in the back of your wallet, you might want to double-check. A rare error coin recently sold at auction for £1,500, proving that your loose change could be worth more than you think. On May 9, a 2011 50p coin from the London Olympics, featuring a design flaw, fetched an impressive £1,500 at an auction in Wiltshire.

The coin, known for its “Lines Over The Face” defect, is now regarded as one of the most coveted 50p coins in existence, with values soaring due to its rarity. The 50p in question was originally part of a series minted in 2011 to celebrate the London 2012 Olympics. It was designed by Jonathan Olliffe and featured an image of a swimmer, with lines symbolising waves of water.



However, in the original design, the swimmer’s face was partially obscured by these lines Money Week reports. The design was later adjusted to make the swimmer’s face more visible, but some of the earlier flawed versions had already been released into circulation. These rare coins, with their hidden defect, are now prized by collectors.

The coin that sold for £1,500 recently at auction was in superb condition, making it even more desirable. The sale price included VAT and a 10% buyer’s fee, bringing the final total to £1,680 — the highest price ever paid for a 50p error coin. So, how can you spot these valuable faulty coins? The key is knowing which ones to look for.

Error coins, like this London Olympics 50p, tend to be especially valuable because they’re so rare. The original Olympic design was only minted in limited numbers, and the defective version is even scarcer. Unfortunately, there are no accurate records of how many of these coins entered circulation, which adds to the mystery — and value.

The condition of a coin plays a crucial role in its worth. A coin in mint condition, like the one that recently sold for £1,500, will always fetch more than one that has been heavily circulated or damaged. As Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coins at The Royal Mint, explains, "If a coin has an unusually low mintage or a unique defect, it can sell for far more than its face value.

" In addition to the Olympic 50p, other error coins also hold considerable value. For example, the 2009 Kew Gardens 50p, which was issued to mark the 250th anniversary of Kew Gardens, has sold for between £300 and £700. And the 2016 £1 error coin, which features two different years, can fetch up to £200 at auction.

If you suspect you’ve found a rare coin, it’s worth getting it authenticated by The Royal Mint or a reputable coin expert. Once verified, you'll receive a certificate that confirms its authenticity — and potentially its value..