Check your change for incredibly rare £1 coin - it could be worth £1,000

A rare minting error on the 12-sided £1 coin could see collectors cashing in as much as £2,500 – but you’ll need to look extremely closely at your change to spot it

If you’ve been collecting the 12-sided £1 coins that were introduced in 2016, it might be worth taking a second look at the ones in your pocket.

A rare minting error could see certain £1 coins fetch up to £2,500 at auction, according to The Coin Collector UK , a popular TikTok creator. The error in question involves an issue with the micro-lettering around the edge of the coin.

The 12-sided £1 coin, which was introduced to replace the older round design, is notable for its unique shape and intricate details. On some of these coins, the micro-lettering intended to run around the edge was incorrectly stamped, creating a rare misprint that’s not visible to the naked eye. To spot it, collectors need a microscope to closely inspect the fine details.

This mistake is said to be exceptionally rare, with only one known example having been found in Spain. While that may sound like a long shot, a buyer in Spain got £2,500 for their £1 coin.

So, what should you be looking for? The misprinted coins come from the 2016 and 2017 runs of the 12-sided £1. To check for the error, you’ll need to closely examine the coin’s edge. Using a magnifying glass or, ideally, a microscope, you’re looking for any discrepancies in the micro-lettering – anything that looks misaligned or unreadable could point to the rare minting fault.

It’s important to note that not all 12-sided £1 coins are affected by this error. In fact, most of them are perfectly standard and worth their £1 face value. But if you happen to come across one of these misprinted coins, you could be looking at a valuable find.

For those who do find a rare example, keeping the coin in good condition will be key. Like all collectible items, the better the condition, the higher the potential value. If you do think you’ve found one, it’s a good idea to get it professionally authenticated to determine its true worth.

Coin collecting has long been a popular hobby in the UK, and with rare errors like this one, it's easy to see why so many collectors are keen to keep an eye out for hidden treasures. So, next time you're counting your change, remember to take a closer look – you might have an unexpectedly valuable coin on your hands.