Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee 24k Gold Coin
During the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II (1952–2022), coinage evolved from pre-decimal designs to high-tech 12-sided pounds. Rarity in this era is often driven by low circulating mintage or unintentional “mule” errors.
Top Rare and Valuable Circulation Coins
| Coin Type | Year | Mintage | Current Value (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kew Gardens 50p | 2009 | 210,000 | £150 – £250 |
| 2022 “Nations” £1 | 2022 | 7,735,000 | £5 – £11 (Final QEII £1) |
| Edinburgh City £1 | 2011 | 935,000 | £10 – £15 |
| Cardiff City £1 | 2011 | 1,615,000 | £8 – £12 |
| Judo / Football 50p | 2011 | 1,161,500 | £17 – £18 (Olympic series) |
Exceptional Error Coins (“Mules”)
These coins were struck with mismatched designs or the wrong metal, making them significantly more valuable than standard issues:
- “New Pence” 2p (1983): A few coins from 1983 sets were struck with the old “New Pence” reverse instead of “Two Pence”.
- Value: £500 – £1,000+.
- Bank of England £2 (1994 Gold Proof): A “mule” struck without the denomination on the obverse.
- Value: Approximately £5,000.
- “Silver” 2p Error: A 2p struck on a nickel-plated steel blank intended for a 10p.
- Value: Recently sold at auction for £1,350.
High-Value Bullion and Commemoratives
Prestige gold coins were often struck in extremely small numbers to mark major milestones:
- Platinum Jubilee 24k Gold £100 (2022): A 1oz gold coin limited to only 250 pieces.
- Value: Approximately £7,287.
- Gold Sovereign (2004 Bullion): Notable for a relatively low bullion mintage of 30,688.
- Value: Approximately £950 – £1,100.
- 1953 Coronation Proof Sovereign: Only a few were struck; none were for general circulation. They are essentially museum pieces, though modern sets of her five distinct portraits sell for around £4,500.
Identification Tip: The 2019 Kew Gardens
Beware of the 2019 reissue of the Kew Gardens 50p. To tell them apart, check the obverse (portrait side): the 2009 original is undated on the front, whereas the 2019 version clearly displays the date “2019” next to the Queen’s head.