George V: 1933 Penny

The 1933 George V Penny is one of the rarest and most legendary coins in British history. Because a surplus of pennies already existed in 1933, the Royal Mint did not strike any for general circulation, only producing a handful for ceremonial and record-keeping purposes.

Estimated Value
Due to its extreme rarity, a genuine 1933 penny is worth a life-changing amount.

Auction Records: In 2016, a “Pattern” version (a prototype) sold for £72,000. More recently, in January 2023, a regular strike version sold at Heritage Auctions for $240,000 (approx. £190,000).
Current Estimates: Experts value the coin at upwards of £72,000 to £115,000+, depending on its specific strike and condition.

Important Note on Forgeries
Because the coin is so famous, the market is flooded with altered dates and replicas.

Altered Dates: Many “1933” pennies are actually 1935 pennies that have had the last digit modified.
Restrikes/Gap Fillers: You can often find copper restrikes on Etsy or eBay for around £10–£20, which are intended only for educational purposes or to fill gaps in a collection.
Australian Variant: There is a common 1933 Australian penny also featuring George V, but it is not rare and is typically worth only £1–£50 depending on condition.