We are all being encouraged to check our change after a rare 20p coin sold for 390 times its face value this week. The 20p piece is a “mule” coin dating from 2008 and was minted without a date on the coin due to an error. The mistake means the coin is considered a collector’s item.
A batch of coins was issued without dates in 2008 due to an error in the minting process. An example of a rare undated 20p mule coin (Image: eBay/Getty/Vandervelden) Prior to November of that year, the date on 20p coins would be found on the tail side. However, the Royal Mint switched it so that the date would now be next to the Queen’s head.
A mistake in 2008 led to the old format being used on the Queen’s side and the new format being used on tails side. As a result, the first batch of British coins with no date on them was released into circulation for the first time in more than 300 years. Around 250,000 20p coins minted in November 2008 are believed to have entered circulation with no date.
Recommend Reading The 'extra-special' rare 50p coin sold for £4,000 and how to spot it 'Check your change' - Rare coin sells for more than 300 times face value on eBay Rare King Charles £20 note sells for £7000 - how to tell if you have one And now one has gone up for sale on eBay, attracting a winning bid of £78, 390 times its face value. The description said: “This rare 20p coin from the Royal Mint boasts a unique error that makes it a must-have for any serious collector. "Minted in 2008, .
