A small minting error by the Royal Mint in 1983 has turned an ordinary 2p coin into a collector’s item worth hundreds or even thousands of pounds. The coin, which mistakenly bears the inscription “new pence” rather than the updated “two pence”, is being described by experts as a sought-after numismatic anomaly.
Thousands of people across the UK are now urged to inspect their change for this rare piece of history. With just a handful believed to be in circulation, finding one could prove highly profitable for individuals and collectors alike.
The 1983 Error That Escaped Royal Mint Controls
In 1983, the Royal Mint introduced a change to the reverse design of the 2p coin, replacing the wording “new pence” with “two pence”. This update followed a phased approach to modernise the UK’s coinage system, which had retained the “new” term since decimalisation in 1971.
However, a small batch of 2p coins that year was mistakenly struck using the old reverse die — resulting in a rare mismatch between date and inscription.
According to the Royal Mint, these error coins were never intended for general circulation. They were produced to a higher brilliant uncirculated standard and were meant to feature only in collector sets. Nonetheless, a limited number may have inadvertently entered public circulation.
A statement on the Mint’s website confirms: “In 1983 a small number of 2p coins were mistakenly struck with the wording ‘new pence’ on the reverse.”
The error remained largely unnoticed until coin collectors and hobbyists began identifying these anomalies. The incorrect inscription, combined with the 1983 date, has made these coins especially valuable, with some examples listed for as much as £2,499 on online marketplaces such as eBay.
Collectors urge public to check their change
Numismatic experts have encouraged the public to examine their coins for the 1983 date paired with the “new pence” inscription.
The Coin Collecting Wizard, a popular figure on TikTok, recently issued advice, stating: “If you ever come across a 2p coin from 1983 with ‘new pence’ on it instead of ‘two pence’, don’t spend it — you could be holding a rare minting error worth thousands of pounds.”
Similarly, analysts from Change Checker have valued the coins at over £1,000, adding that such finds are “a serious collector’s win.” Given their scarcity and historical significance, demand is high among coin enthusiasts.
While the Royal Mint does not offer valuations, it advises those who believe they possess a 1983 “new pence” coin to consult a professional coin dealer for authentication and appraisal. As interest surges, it remains to be seen how many more of these elusive coins will surface.
