One of the rarest British coins ever produced, the 1933 penny, could still be hiding in someone’s collection jar or coin drawer. Known for its limited mintage and historical context, this particular coin has drawn renewed attention due to its rarity and potential value.
According to multiple reports, including coverage by daily record, it is believed that only a handful were ever struck, making it one of the most elusive items in British numismatics. Recent auctions and expert commentary have reignited public curiosity, especially among casual collectors who may unknowingly possess older pennies from the pre-decimal era.
Only a Few 1933 Pennies Were Ever Struck
The Royal Mint has confirmed that there was no official need for new one-penny coins in 1933, as sufficient stocks were already in circulation. As a result, only a symbolic number were minted.
As explained on the Royal Mint’s website:
No record was kept at the time of how many pennies dated 1933 were made but it is thought to be no more than six or seven.
With no precise record of the number made, and with the coin having been struck to ordinary circulation standard, it seemed possible that one might turn up in everyday use, prompting a generation to search their change for the rare but ultimately elusive penny of 1933.
These coins were not produced for everyday use. In a TikTok video that drew wide attention, a collector known as the Coin Collecting Wizard stated:
It was never intended for general circulation as there was already a sufficient supply of pennies in use at the time, meaning only a handful were struck for ceremonial and archival purposes.
Design and Symbolism of the Coin
Although struck with regular dies, the 1933 penny features the same standard imagery as its more common counterparts. As the Coin Collecting Wizard described it:
The reverse (tail side) of this precious penny showcases Britannia wielding a trident, while King George V’s portrait is on the other side.
Despite the ordinary design, the extreme rarity of the date has given the coin a legendary status among collectors.
“The Holy Grail” of British Numismatics
The 1933 penny has developed a near-mythical reputation. In the same TikTok video, the expert noted:
Are you ready to see the world’s most expensive penny? £130,000 if you find this, pay attention. The 1933 penny is one of the most famous and elusive coins in British numismatic history, often described as the ‘Holy Grail’ for collectors.
He added that most known examples were never in public hands:
Just a few examples are known to exist today, most placed in museums or church foundations, making them incredibly rare and valuable, with auction prices reaching well over £100,000.
This rarity has made the coin a prime target for auctions. One example sold in 2016 for £127,000, according to the Antiques Trade Gazette.
Widespread Forgeries Have Been Reported
The fame of the 1933 penny has led to a proliferation of fakes and altered coins in the market.
Because of its notoriety, countless fakes and altered date pennies have appeared over the years, so genuine examples are almost never found in the wild, so always pay attention to the detail – the expert warned.
Verifying authenticity is a necessary step before assuming any significant value.
Your pre-decimal penny must be from 1933 and if you think you have one then you must get it verified as there are many fakes out there.
