If you’ve got a collection of old coins gathering dust in your loft, it might be worth giving them a once-over.
If you have a stash of old coins tucked away, it might be time to sift through them. Coin experts have highlighted a specific £2 coin that could fetch a generous sum.
Interestingly, such a coin is centred around the gorillas at Jersey Zoo, which have been there since the zoo’s first year. The gold coin features a close-up image of an ape and a message marking the wildlife park’s 60th anniversary.
During 2024, a ‘standard’ version of this coin was listed on eBay for £119.99. This isn’t uncommon for the £2, as they generally sell for around £100, according to experts.
But if you manage to find an ‘error’ 2019 version of this coin, its value could skyrocket to £300. “Some numpty dumpty managed to put a dye for the obverse of the ‘Red Arrows’ £2 (from the same year) in the machine by mistake, resulting in quite a few hybrid coins,” the Great British Coin Hunt claims.
“As with all blunders in Coinworld, the ‘Jersey Zoo Gorilla’ with no denomination and the date only is a highly sought-after item. It also sells for between £200 and £300.”
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Gorillas hold a special place in Jersey Zoo’s history, especially after an incident nearly 40 years ago when a five-year-old fell into the silverback enclosure. To everyone’s surprise, a gorilla named Jambo appeared to protect the unconscious child, creating a memorable moment in the zoo’s history, reports the Mirror.
In a touching display of interspecies empathy, Jambo the gorilla protected a young boy from his troop and stood guard until help arrived. This courageous act earned him the moniker ‘Gentle Giant’ and garnered global admiration.
Chris Yang, Co-founder of Coins Value, also explained: “I have seen numerous such coins in my career. In 2010, it was sold by one client to whom we sold it for £50, and we recently valued it at £300, a rise of 500% in over ten years, which displays how valuable the coin had been regarding desirability for collectors’ purposes.
“The Jersey Zoo Gorilla coin is easy to identify. The obverse carries the Queen Elizabeth II portrait, while the reverse carries the image of the gorilla, where the details are given with richness. The coin is made from cupronickel, weighs 28.28 grams, and has a diameter of 38.61mm. These features help differentiate it from any counterfeit.
“The price depends on the condition. Uncirculated coins are sold at £400 and above. In contrast, circulated ones sell for anywhere between £150 to £300, depending on the level of toning, the amount of mint lustre, and how well the finer details have been preserved.”
Don’t stress if a gorilla coin isn’t part of your collection, as there are myriad other treasures to dig out from your attic. Take for example, the extraordinary case where a rare 1933 coin recently fetched a jaw-dropping £140,000 at auction – one of only seven in existence.
Speaking to The Star, Chris Yang, Co-founder of Coins Value, advised: “In sum, scrutinise your coins, have them identified and graded professionally, and work with experienced numismatists to determine the real value of your coins so that you can sell them for the best price.”
He added, “Remember, the thrill of coin collecting isn’t always about striking gold; it’s about connecting with history and uncovering hidden treasures. Your old coin jar might hold more than just spare change – it could be a portal to a fascinating past.”
Sourse: www.express.co.uk
