Rare and Most valuable 50p coins that could make you Richer – UK’s Youngest Coin Collector Story: At just 11 years old, Dylan has already made a name for himself in the world of coin collecting. With over 1,000 rare and valuable coins in his collection, his passion has earned him the prestigious title of Junior Collector of the Year from ChangeChecker. Here’s how Dylan’s journey began, his favorite finds, and his tips for spotting rare coins and notes.
Dylan’s Coin-Collecting Journey
Dylan’s talent for spotting rare coins was evident early. At just 5 years old, he found a £2 Brunel Portrait coin, valued at £30. Now, he proudly owns one of the UK’s rarest coins—the 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p, gifted to him for his birthday.
Other Highlights in His Collection
- 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p: Currently the rarest UK 50p coin, often selling for £50 online.
- Error Coins: Dylan discovered a rare “cud metal” 2p coin in his change. Error coins, which occur due to minting flaws, are especially valuable.
Despite the growing value of his collection, Dylan rarely sells his coins. His highest sale to date was £8 each for two London 2012 Olympic ‘wrestling’ coins, which he initially purchased for £1 each.
Dylan’s Coin-Hunting Tips
Dylan has several strategies to find rare coins on a budget:
1. Exchange at Banks
He regularly exchanges banknotes for 50p and £2 coins at the bank. This method is cost-free because you can spend the coins if you decide not to keep them.
2. Visit Thrift Stores and Second-Hand Shops
Thrift stores can be treasure troves for finding rare coins at bargain prices.
3. Explore Online Marketplaces
Dylan uses eBay to find rare coins. However, he advises checking the “sold listings” section to determine the true market value of coins rather than relying on listing prices.
4. Spotting Error Coins
Coins with minting errors, like the “cud metal” 2p he found, are rare and can fetch higher prices. A cud error appears when a piece of the die breaks, leaving a blob-like mark on the coin.
Award-Winning Achievements
In December, Dylan was crowned Junior Change Checker of the Year, an honor that recognizes his contributions to the coin-collecting community. He was nominated by his mother and won a trophy, a bag of goodies, and a subscription to Coin Collector Magazine.
His success has inspired him to launch a YouTube channel, Dylan Collects Coins, where he shares his knowledge and enthusiasm. Inspired by YouTube star Christopher Collects, Dylan aims to help others discover the joy of collecting.
Expanding His Interests
Dylan’s collecting passion doesn’t stop at coins. He’s also an avid collector of stamps and Beano comics. One of his most notable sales was a Night Rider magazine, which he sold on eBay for £40. Unsurprisingly, the proceeds went back into his coin collection!
How to Spot Rare Coins and Notes
Coins
To identify rare coins:
- Check Scarcity Indexes: Tools like ChangeChecker’s Scarcity Index provide up-to-date rarity rankings.
- Verify Sales on eBay: Look at sold listings to see what coins have actually sold for, not just the listed prices.
Banknotes
Rare notes often have unique serial numbers. Look for:
- Historical References: For example, a £10 note featuring Jane Austen’s birth year in the serial number fetched £3,600 at auction.
- Quirky Numbers: Notes with memorable or sequential serial numbers often attract collectors.
Use eBay to check the value of your notes. Enable “completed and sold items” filters to assess their worth accurately.
Dylan’s story highlights how a simple hobby can turn into a rewarding passion. Whether exchanging coins at a bank, hunting for treasures in thrift shops, or exploring eBay listings, anyone can start building their own collection. Remember, patience and research are key to identifying and valuing rare finds.
FAQ
What is the rarest coin in Dylan’s collection?
Dylan owns the 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p, currently the rarest UK 50p coin, which sells for around £50 online.
What are error coins and why are they valuable?
Error coins result from minting mistakes, like the ‘cud metal’ 2p Dylan found. These unique flaws make them highly collectible and often more valuable.
How does Dylan find rare coins on a budget?
Dylan exchanges banknotes for coins at banks, visits thrift stores, and checks eBay for rare finds. He also looks for error coins in his change.
How can I check the value of rare coins or notes?
Use eBay’s ‘sold listings’ filter to see recent sales. For coins, consult tools like ChangeChecker’s Scarcity Index to gauge rarity and demand.
What was Dylan’s biggest coin sale?
Dylan sold two London 2012 Olympic ‘wrestling’ coins for £8 each, which he had originally purchased for £1 each.
