1933 penny coin could be worth a life-changing sum of money

A TikTok user recently showcased the rare penny coin in a video, claiming it is one of the "rarest and most valuable" British coins.

A rare 1p coin could be worth a life-changing sum of up to £200,000.

The coin is the 1933 stamped 1p coin and only a handful were ever made - just six or seven, according to experts.

Back in 1933, the Royal Mint didn’t issue any pennies for circulation because there were already plenty in use. Instead, a small number were specially struck for ceremonial use, including to be buried under church foundation stones or government buildings.

One was laid beneath the University of London’s Senate House, where it still remains today. Another was stolen from a Leeds church in the 1970s and has never been recovered.

The 1933 penny is often called the “Holy Grail” of British coins and is so rare that most collectors will never even see one in their lifetime.

The coin features King George V on one side and Britannia seated on the other.

In 2016, a proof version of the coin sold for £72,000, while other reports suggest examples have gone for well over £100,000, depending on their condition.

Coin experts warn that fakes are common and many people mistakenly think they’ve found one, when they’re actually holding a far more common 1936 penny.

Experts say anyone who believes they may own a genuine one should get it properly authenticated by a trusted coin dealer or auction house.

With demand from collectors showing no signs of slowing, rare coins like the 1933 penny continue to soar in value meaning this humble 1p could be worth a fortune.

But if you don’t score lucky with this one, there are other coins to look out for.

In fact, just recently, an ultra-rare 1p coin from 1954 has appeared at auction with a reserve price of £90,000, and experts reckon it could go for as much as £120,000.

Another TikTok user, known for coin-collecting content, showcased the elusive penny in a viral video, calling it one of the “rarest and most mysterious” British coins ever made.

Other coins are raking in big money, too, including a 2p with the wording "New Pence" instead of “Two Pence”, which can sell for around £1,000.

Some 2012 Olympic 50p coins featuring a cartoon-style high jumper have gone for £142 to £216, while a rare misprint with horizontal lines has been snapped up for £3,000.

Even certain £2 coins with a cat design could fetch over 100 times their face value, so it might be worth checking your pockets.

How to sell your rare coins

A coin's condition and mintage will affect its value, so it's important to do your homework first.

If you've got a potentially rare coin that you would like to sell at auction, you can contact The Royal Mint's Collectors Service. It has a team of experts who can help you to authenticate and value your coin.

You will need to enquire via email, and a member of the valuation team will get back to you.

Take a picture of your coin and attach it to the email - you can find all the details on The Royal Mint's website.

If you're selling on eBay, be vigilant about scammers. If you're feeling uneasy about the deal, meet the seller in person in a public, safe place so you know you are not being conned.