20 pence coin valued at 250 times its true value
Coin collecting is a pastime where unexpected treasures are usually discovered. Some ordinary-appearing coins can also unexpectedly become extremely valuable. A very rare coin is Britain’s “undated 20p coin”—i.e”., a 20 pence coin without a date published on it. This coin can be offered for about £75 or greater in preference to 20 pence, i.e., 250 instances more than its real price.
Let’s study why this coin is so special, a way to recognize it, and what to do in case you own it.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Coin Type | Undated 20p coin |
Error | Missing date on both sides |
Year of Issue | 2008 |
Estimated Value | Up to £75 (250x its face value) |
How to Identify | No date on either side |
Where to Sell | eBay, coin dealers, auctions |
Official Reference | Royal Mint |
How was this special coin minted?

In the year of 2008, Britain’s Royal Mint altered the arrival of 20 pence coins. In preceding cases, the date became the ‘tails’ aspect (reverse facet), but within the trendy design, it was moved to the ‘heads’ facet (obverse side).
But in the process of change, a giant blunder was committed. In a few coins, two different molds (dies) were used by error—one for the back side, which did not carry the new date, and another for the front side, which was supposed to have the date but lacked it. The coin produced in this manner lacked the date anywhere.
These coins are referred to as “Mule” coins, i.e., coins constructed out of two faulty parts. It is the first of its kind in British history that entered circulation after 300 years without any date. This makes it extremely rare and worthwhile.
Significance of minting flaws in coin collecting
These Minting Errors, i.e., errors done while casting, have significant value to the coin world. A few of the usual errors are
- Date missing on the coin
- Double struck on the coin
- Off-center design
The Undated 20p coin is perhaps the most publicized instance of a minting error. Other high-profile blunders encompass the 2009 Kew Gardens 50p and the 1983 “New Pence” 2p coin. These caches are rather prominent by way of creditors because they’re quite rare and enormously famous.
How to check when you have an undated 20p coin
If you desire to find out whether or not you possess this rare coin, you may do so by way of going via the stairs stated beneath:
1. Inspect the head’s aspect (the front).
20-pence coins generally carry a picture of Queen Elizabeth II and a date on them. If your coin lacks a date, that is probably an illustration.
2. Inspect the tails facet (back).
Coins from after 2008 have a ‘Royal Shield’ layout. If it hasn’t been given a date on it either, it is in all likelihood the same rare coin.
3. Compare other 20p coins
If you’re now not certain, get a general 20p coin from 2008 or later and examine it along with your coin. If there is no date anywhere on your coin, it’s a sturdy indication that you’ve got a treasure.
How much can an undated 20p coin sell for?
Its value will depend on the demand and condition. Here are some usual values:
- Standard 20p coin: Just 20 pence
- Undated 20p Coin (circulation): £50-£75
- Coin in mint condition (as new): £150 or more
Why are these coins so valuable?
- Rarity: It has been estimated that there were just 50,000 to 250,000 such coins accidentally included in circulation.
- Special place in history: This is the first undated British coin in 300 years.
- Demand from collectors: Such error coins are easily welcomed by collectors.
- Growing market: These days, coin collection is becoming a sort of investment, so their value is rising even more.
Where to sell Undated 20p Coin

If you possess this uncommon coin, then you can make good money out of it by selling it. There are some wonderful ways to do that:
1. Online platforms
- eBay: Here you can determine your price by observing the prices of similar coins.
- Facebook Groups and Coin Communities: Such groups have many collectors with active memberships.
- Etsy and special collection places: Here are serious collectors ready to pay the appropriate price.
2. Coin shops and dealers
- Have it appraised by a professional coin dealer. Visit a famous safe and have the authenticity of your coin proven. If you desire, you may additionally reap grading from locations together with NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation), which adds similarly to the fee of the coin.
3. Auction residence
If your coin is in mint condition, then use technique principal public sale houses along with Heritage Auctions, London Coins, or Sotheby’s. Good charges are feasible right here.
Important tips to enhance the value of your coin
- Don’t clean the coin—that can lower both its actual condition and value.
- Place the coin in a secure case—this will shield it from abrasions or dust.
- Verify the authenticity—have it appraised by an expert numismatist. Check various prices before selling so you receive the correct price.
- Monitor the market—since the value of coins may change over time.
Conclusion
The British undated 20p coin is a good illustration of how an innocent error can make a common coin priceless. If you own such a coin, it might be a little treasure. It is possible to get the coin its deserving value with the right information, vigilance and a bit of research. So next time you go rummaging through your wallet or piggy bank, take a second glance—you never know, you might have a diamond in the rough lurking within you.
FAQs
How many undated 20p coins were released?
It’s estimated that between 50,000 and 250,000 undated 20p coins entered general circulation in 2008.
How can I identify an undated 20p coin?
Check both sides—if there’s no date on either, and it has the 2008 shield, it’s likely undated.
What is a “mule” coin in numismatics?
A mule coin is created when mismatched obverse and reverse dies are accidentally used during minting.