How rare ‘fried egg’ error on your £2 coin could make it 300 times more valuable – are you sitting on a goldmine?
A RARE 'fried egg' error on your £2 coin could transform it into a goldmine worth 300 times its original value.
A major error, dubbed the "fried egg," has been spotted on some £2 coins, making them up to 300 times more valuable than their face value.
People are scrambling to check whether their loose change could be worth a windfall.
A Reddit user recently shared a post about a peculiar £2 coin they found, they posted: "What's wrong with the top £2 coin."
The coin, which the user initially thought was either damaged or deformed, sparked a frenzy of responses from fellow coin enthusiasts who immediately recognised the jackpot coin.
The coin's owner, who had been collecting coins for years, was unsure if this was a rare find or just a beat-up piece of metal.
Rare coins
He said: “I've had this weird £2 coin for a while and I'm not sure if it’s an error or just damaged.”
He added that his collection had stalled after leaving his cash-based job as a bartender.
One eagle-eyed user quickly identified the coin as a rare “fried egg” error.
They said: “I believe this is known as a 'fried egg' error.
“I’ve seen posts about a few £1 coins and a small handful of £2 coins, but I’ve never seen it on a commemorative design.
"I’m not sure how much value this error adds, but it’s certainly a cool piece regardless.”
The “fried egg” error occurs when the middle of the coin, typically the gold-colored inner circle, spills out into the silver outer ring, resembling a fried egg.
This mistake makes the coin highly sought after by collectors.
Collectors were quick to speculate on the coin’s value, with one user guessing, “Worth £800 at a guess.”
Others were more conservative, suggesting it could fetch a “50 times multiplier” on its face value.
But one thing’s for sure: you’d be hard-pressed to find one under three figures on eBay.
Another user urged the owner to hold onto the coin, saying: “It’s worth a bunch more in terms of collectability, so I’d keep hold of it and build it into your numismatic hoard.”
Some users couldn't help but crack a joke, with one commenting: “I have a pound coin that is a terrible misstrike. Kept it for a few years. I joke to my eldest that it’s his inheritance.”
If you’ve got a £2 coin with this rare design error, you could be looking at a windfall.
Experts estimate these “fried egg” coins could be worth up to £600 or more, depending on the condition and demand.
Collectors are scrambling to get their hands on these £600 rarities, so it might be worth digging through your spare change.
But remember, coin prices can vary, and what one person values highly might not sell for the same amount.
However, with the current buzz around these rare finds, now could be the perfect time to cash in.
Meanwhile, For those who have emptied the piggy bank but failed to find a fried egg coin, there's no need to give up just yet.
It's always worth keeping an eye on your spare change as there are plenty of other rare coin variations.
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The Sun has even put together a list of rare 2p coins that could be worth up to £900.
Plus, a rare coin dating back nearly 700 years recently sold for an eye-watering sum after being found down a field drain.
Top 10 rarest and most valuable coins
To help guide you, we've put together a list of 10 of the rarest coins in circulation, and how much you might get for them
Single Market 50p - Worth £44
Why it’s valuable: Minted in 1992, this coin is the oldest in The Royal Mint's top 10 and the rarest in circulation with only 109,000 produced. Its "double dated" design featuring both "1992" and "1993" makes it a collector's dream.
How much it’s worth: One of these coins sold for £44 in February, while a double-dated version fetched £66, showcasing its appeal.
2. Kew Gardens 50p - Worth £245
Why it’s valuable: With only 210,000 minted, this 50p featuring the Chinese Pagoda at Kew Gardens is one of the rarest and most sought-after coins. Its distinctive design and low mintage make it highly collectible.
How much it’s worth: A recent sale saw one go for £245, demonstrating its significant value.
Great British Coin Hunt Z 10p - Worth £10
Why it’s valuable: Part of the alphabet 10p collection released in 2019, only 220,000 of each design were produced, making them highly collectible. The "Z" coin features James Callaghan’s iconic black and white pedestrian crossing.
How much it’s worth: A single "Z" coin sold for £10.09 recently, but completing the full alphabet could net you a whopping £419.99.
Commonwealth Games Ireland £2 - Worth £80
Why it’s valuable: The rarest of the four Commonwealth Games £2 coins from 2002, with just 485,500 minted. Its scarcity makes it a hot item for collectors.
How much it’s worth: One sold for just under £80, but the complete set of four coins has fetched £100
Commonwealth Games Wales £2 - Worth £18
Why it’s valuable: The second rarest of the Commonwealth series, with 588,500 minted. It’s distinguished by the small Welsh flag on the design.
How much it’s worth: This coin sold for £18 recently, but in the past, it has fetched as much
Britannia 5th Portrait £2 - Worth £20
Why it’s valuable: Minted in 2015, only 650,000 were released. It’s a throwback to the Britannia design that was dropped from the 50p in 2008 but revived for the £2 coin.
How much it’s worth: The highest sale spotted was £20, showing moderate collector interest.
FWW Navy 5th Portrait £2 - Worth £13
Britannia 50p - Worth £14.50
Why it’s valuable: This 1985 Limited Issue Britannia 50p, with only 682,103 minted, is a collector's item due to its age and design by Christopher Ironside.
How much it’s worth: Recently sold for £14.49, though it can go for more.
Commonwealth Games Scotland £2 - Worth £13
Why it’s valuable: The least rare of the Commonwealth series with a mintage of 771,750. Its design includes the Scottish flag, making it a collector’s item.
How much it’s worth: One recently sold for £13, proving it still commands more than its face value.
Bonus: Rare coins not in the top ten, like the Blue Peter 50p, have sold for as much as £235, showing the potential treasure in your pocket change.
