The 5p piece sold for well over its face value
A ‘rare’ 5p coin has sold for 500 times its shop value – thanks to one error. The 5p piece was sold for £26.70 on eBay on February 12.The item is mis-struck, meaning it was incorrectly imprinted while being minted in 2008 and so the image of Queen Elizabeth II’s head appears upside down. The listing image shows upside down side portrait compared to a regular 5p, leaving the seller to describe it as a ‘rare, unique and valuable collectible’.The listing reads: “Rare 5p coin from 2008 featuring Queen Elizabeth II with a mis-strike error where the obverse is inverted. This error coin is a unique and valuable collectible for coin enthusiasts and collectors alike.
“The 5p denomination adds to its significance as a smaller and less frequently minted coin, making it a desirable addition to any coin collection. The last picture shows it in comparison to a normal coin on the right.”The eBay listing states the item was put up for sale on December 8 and bought for £26.70. That means the coin was sold for more than 500 times its shop value and will be sure to have Brits checking their change for the same error.The coin’s other face correctly displays the centre of the Royal Shield, with 2008 being the first year it appeared.
