Coin expert warns Brits to check their wallets as undated 20p piece could be worth up to £50

The coin is considered by many as one of the 'holy grails' of UK change collecting

A coin expert has urged the public to scour their wallets and piggy banks for a seemingly normal 20p piece that could actually be worth a small fortune.

Despite appearing standard at first glance, this coin is distinguished by an error that has turned it into a collector's item throughout the UK, so much so that some refer to it as the "holy grail" of coins.

Only a limited number of these were struck in 2008, which means you might come across one in your everyday change.

Speaking on TikTok, the Coin Collecting Wizard shared his knowledge, saying: "Your shield 20 pence coin could be worth £50."

But he underlined that they're only valuable if they possess a peculiar error – being undated.

"It's all to do with a die mix-up at the Royal Mint, causing the coin to have no date," he added.

According to him, less than a quarter of a million of these particular coins were produced out of the 136,360,000 minted in 2008, caused by an older heads side design being accidentally paired with a brand-new tails side design, leading to the date being omitted entirely.

The coin collector highlighted just how sought-after these rarities are, explaining: "Considered by many as one of the holy grails of UK change collecting, the undated 20p is always at the top of any coin collector's wish list," he claimed, reports the Mirror.

"The Royal Mint has confirmed this is the first time in over 300 years that a coin had entered circulation without a date making it extremely sought after by coin collectors."

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He pointed out that some sellers on eBay had managed to fetch £79.99 for the coin, while others sold them closer to £50.

"As you can see from these eBay sold prices, the undated 20p is an easy sell for around £50, so always make sure to check those 20p coins," he elaborated.

The Royal Mint has commented on this unusual currency, saying: "In November 2008 a number of 20p coins were incorrectly minted, resulting in the coins being undated.

"These coins remain legal tender and still have a face value of 20p."

It was noted that, at the time of reporting, some listings for these coins on eBay were asking as much as £150 and £125.

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