Coin collectors across the UK are frantically searching their change for a mule coin issued in error by the Royal Mint. In June of this year, the UK press revealed that up to 250,000 of the coins, which lack a date on both faces, had been put into circulation.
The coins were the result of a minting error and feature the undated heads face of the 2008 Tudor Rose 20 pence piece and the undated tails face of the 2008 Royal Shield of Arms 20 pence piece. The coins are the first in more than 300 years to be issued in the UK with no date, and, as such have become an instant collectors’ item.
How Many Undated 20p Pieces are There?
While information from the Royal Mint indicates that up to 250,000 of the coins were originally released, the mistake was not common knowledge until more recently. Coin enthusiasts believe that many of the coins will already have been removed from circulation by banks working with the royal mint, meaning the number of coins left in circulation is probably significantly less than the figure originally released.
Coin Collectors Fall Victim to 20p Scams
Since the news of the mistake hit the headlines, auctions sites such as eBay have been flooded with listings for 20 pence pieces. However, some of these cleverly worded listings are in fact offering run-of-the-mill 20p pieces, which are worth nothing more than their face value. Collectors have been tricked by sellers offering coins which are “undated” with only the small print explaining that “undated” refers only to one side of the coin. Other online selling scams include offering a genuine undated mule 20p coin for sale and sending only a torn envelope to the buyer who, without postage insurance, has no recourse.
How to Identify a Genuine Undated 20p
The genuine mule 20 pence piece is the result of a minting error which saw an old heads die used in conjunction with a newer tails die. As a result neither side features the year of minting. Only coins with no date on either side are likely to be genuine.
What is the Mule 20p Piece Worth?
In July 2009, website TotallyMoney.com reported that an undated 20p had sold for £8,000 in an online auction, although online prices have since dropped as the market was subsequently flooded with the coins. Coin collecting agency The London Mint Office has offered finders a flat fee of £50 for the coins, but independent specialist coin dealer Richard Anderson told The Independent newspaper that the coin would likely be worth around £300. In an interview on June 30th he said: “If anybody finds one, they should just keep hold of them, because they will appreciate."
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