Shirley’s minted!
Reporter: BEATRIZ AYALA
Date published: 18 September 2009
Undated 20p could be worth thousands
A VALUABLE undated 20p coin, which has asking prices of up to £50,000 on a online auction site, has been found by a Royton grandmother sorting out her coppers.
Shirley Jenkinson (57), of Lorne Avenue, was searching through her loose change when she spotted a shiny new 20p piece.
One closer inspection she realised the coin had no date on it.
She said: “I can’t believe I found one.
“I don’t normally check my change but this one was so bright and had nothing on the back.
“I heard about the value of these coins a few months ago, people were saying they were worth something.”
In July, it was reported that thousands of dateless 20p coins had been produced in error by the Royal Mint at Llantrisant, near Cardiff.
The date on the new 20p was moved from the tails to the heads side when the country’s coins were redesigned last year.
The coins without a date were created by accidentally pairing up the new tails side with the old heads — resulting in no date appearing on the coin. They were thought to be the first undated British coins to enter circulation for more than 300 years.
Dealers valued the coin at £50 but lucky owners decided to hedge their bets by putting the coins on to online auction sites.
Asking prices range from 20p to £200 and a massive £50,000.
Ms Jenkinson said: “I don’t know what to do with the coin but I could do with the money, it would come in handy.
“I’m unemployed at the moment but used to work at the Co-operative before I got arthritis in the bottom of my spine.
“I’ve got seven children and nine grandchildren, and would like to take my youngest son who is 11 on holiday.
“I’m not sure how much I would want for the coin but I’m open to offers.”
