A 2017 50p Peter Rabbit coin has been listed for £25,086.72 due to a suspected printing error, demonstrating how collectible coins can significantly increase in value.
A 50p Peter Rabbit coin from 2017 is currently listed on eBay for £25,086.72, a staggering 50,000 times its original face value, after a collector from Dereham, Norfolk, identified what they believe to be a printing error. The coin, part of a series issued by the Royal Mint to celebrate the illustrious children’s author Beatrix Potter, was produced in an astonishing quantity of almost 20 million units. Despite this high circulation, the particular coin in question has attracted significant attention due to a small lump of metal that appears to be stuck to the foot of Peter Rabbit, a detail not present on the standard issue coins.
The owner’s listing highlights the rarity of the error, stating, “I believe this is an error, can’t find anything similar online. There is a lump of metal attached to the foot as seen in the photo.” Interested buyers are also informed that there is a shipping charge of £8.95 and that the sale is final, as returns are not accepted.
This extraordinary listing is not an isolated case, as other coins from the Beatrix Potter collection, including a 50p coin featuring Benjamin Bunny, are also being sold for considerable sums. Although the Benjamin Bunny coin does not exhibit any known errors, its listing still exceeds £25,000, reflecting the growing interest in collectable coins.
In the broader context of coin collecting, the Peter Rabbit coin exemplifies how imperfections can dramatically inflate a coin’s value. The practice of collecting and trading coins has gained popularity, with the 50p piece becoming particularly valued among enthusiasts due to its varied and often commemorative designs. The 50p coin, with its heptagonal shape and diameter of 27.5mm, has served as a canvas for celebrating significant events in British history over the past five decades.
Historically, the highest price ever achieved for a coin at auction is attributed to the 794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, which sold for an astounding $12 million in 2022, showcasing the potential financial rewards that can accompany rare coin sales.
As the interest in numismatics continues to grow, particularly around error coins, collectors and investors alike are paying closer attention to details that might elevate a coin’s collectability and value.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/beatrix-potter-coin-error-selling-ebay-b1216079.html – This article supports the claim about a 2017 Peter Rabbit 50p coin being sold on eBay for £25,086.72 due to a printing error. It also mentions the high mintage of nearly 20 million coins.
- https://www.copescoins.com/blogs/copes-blogs/is-the-2017-peter-rabbit-50p-coin-rare-how-much-is-it-worth – This source provides information about the mintage and value of the 2017 Peter Rabbit 50p coin, noting it is not rare but highly sought after by collectors.
- https://www.royalmint.com/corporate/circulating-coin/uk-currency/mintages/50-pence/ – The Royal Mint’s website lists mintage figures for various coins, including those in the Beatrix Potter series, although it does not specifically detail errors.
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/21078/guidance-for-grants-and-agreements – This source does not directly relate to the article but is included as it pertains to a different topic and highlights the need for accurate sourcing in numismatics.
- https://www.ebay.co.uk – eBay is the platform where the Peter Rabbit coin with the printing error is listed for sale, reflecting the growing market for collectible coins.
- https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/flowing-hair-silver-dollar-sells-for-12-million – This article supports the claim about the high value of rare coins, specifically mentioning the sale of the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar for $12 million.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative does not contain outdated references or recycled news. However, it lacks specific details about recent events or updates that could confirm its timeliness.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
There are no direct quotes in the narrative to verify.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Bristol Post, a reputable local news outlet. However, the specific details about the coin’s listing and error are not independently verified.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claim about a rare coin being listed for a high price is plausible given the context of collectible coins. However, the specific error and its impact on value cannot be independently verified.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative appears to be current and originates from a reliable source. However, the specific details about the coin’s error and value cannot be independently verified, leading to a medium confidence level.
