Ultra-rare 50p sells for whopping 500 times its face value at auction – exact detail to spot in your change
COINING IT
The extraordinary coin was hailed as a 'piece of history' by its seller
AN ULTRA-rare coin has sold for a price 500 times its original face value - and the reason behind its inflated cost is bound to entice any collector.
The 50p "true gem" of a coin is a "must-have for any serious collector" which sold for £246.70 and commemorates a historic British event.
2
2
The rare dime was minted by the Royal Mint and even comes with its own protective safeguarding capsule.
It features an iconic Blue Peter logo on its face and was designed by an eight-year-old child.
Florence, 8, from Bristol, beat out 17,000 entries in a design competition for the 50p coin.
The competition set out to find the best design for the Athletics coin, commemorating the 2012 London Olympics.
The Blue Peter 50p Winner's Edition was snatched for a whopping £246.70 on Ebay, after 10 rounds of bidding.
The owner described the coin on Ebay, saying it has "superb quality" and a "unique design".
The seller boasted: "This rare 50p coin from the 2012 Olympics is a must-have for any serious collector.
"Featuring the iconic Blue Peter design and commemorating the athletics event, this coin was minted in the United Kingdom by the Royal Mint.
"With its superb quality and unique design, this coin is a true gem.
They also emphasised the coin's pristine condition.
The description added: "The coin is in brilliant uncirculated condition and comes with a protective capsule for safekeeping.
"Its rarity and significance make it a valuable addition to any collection.
"Don't miss this opportunity to own a piece of Olympic history!"
The buyer of the rare dime even commented back on the seller's page.
They said jubilantly: "Coin is exactly as described and was delivered swiftly and securely packaged.
"A welcome addition to my collection."
The Athletics coin, still kept in its box, commemorated the 2012 London Olympics Athletics sport.
Its well-kept packaging also described the coin on its back side.
The description reads: "The winning design was Florence, aged 8, from Bristol.
"Florence's design for the Athletics coin was chosen from over 17,000 entries.
It also added some fun details about the 50p coin.
"Did you know the United Kingdom 50 was the world's first seven-sided coin?" The packaging asked.
It also added: "If you stacked every 50p in the UK, one on top of the other, it would be equal to the height of 147 Mount Everests!"
The bid ended on March 25 after its seller, based in Colchester, let it go for nearly £250.
thesun
