With Christmas just around the corner, it's time to start looking out for valuable festive coins that may be hiding in your change. These coins can be sold for a tidy sum, either through auctions or to collectors. While some coins are well-known for their high value, there are also lesser-known designs that can fetch a hefty price. So, if you want to make some extra cash this holiday season, don't overlook the change in your pocket. And to get you in the festive spirit, we've compiled a list of top-selling Christmas coins that perfectly capture the yuletide period.
The Snowman 50p – £136
The Snowman 50p coin, featuring the beloved character from Raymond Briggs' Christmas novel, has become a sought-after collectible since its release in 2018. The coin depicts The Snowman flying through the sky above Brighton Pier alongside James, his human companion. Each year, a new design is released, showcasing different scenes from the original storybook. Uncirculated and commemorative versions of these coins can be purchased from the Royal Mint, while circulated versions may appear in your pocket change. On eBay, a 2022 silver proof of The Snowman 50p sold for an impressive £136.
R for Robin 10p – worth £18
Although not explicitly a Christmas coin, the R for Robin 10p from the highly sought-after 10p alphabet collection features a snowy scene reminiscent of a Christmas card. The coin shows a robin sitting inside the letter R against a backdrop of snowflakes. While there are more R 10ps in circulation compared to other letters in the collection, with a total of 284,000, it is still considered a rare find. On eBay, an R for Robin 10p sold for £17.99 in August.
Gibraltar’s Santa 50p – worth up to £54
For those who love festive coins, the Gibraltar Santa Claus 50p is a must-have. One particular version of this coin, minted in 1993, sold for £54.33 on eBay. It's important to note that although these coins are not legal tender in the UK, they are the same size, shape, and weight as UK denominations. This means they can sometimes find their way into circulation undetected, so keep an eye out for them in your change.
Isle of Man Christmas 50p – £32
The Isle of Man is known for producing a variety of festive coins, and this year's £2 coin featuring King Charles III is no exception. Inspired by a stained-glass window from Church Kirk Christ, Rushen, on the Isle of Man, the coin showcases the words "Merry Christmas" alongside the new monarch's image. A recent sale on eBay saw this coin go for £16.99. Additionally, the Isle of Man released three Christmas coins in 2020 to commemorate 150 years since the passing of Charles Dickens. One of these coins, featuring Scrooge from A Christmas Carol, sold for £32.
If you happen to come across a rare coin in your change, it's essential to do your research to determine its value. Websites like eBay, The Royal Mint, and Coin Hunter can provide valuable information on the worth of various coins. Who knows, you might just stumble upon a rare gem like the Kew Gardens 50p, which has sold for £210, or the Blue Peter 50p, which fetched an impressive £253 on eBay. So, before you spend that loose change, take a closer look – it could be worth more than you think!
