The 1983 ‘New Pence’ 2p Coin That Could Be Worth £1,700 – Check Your Drawers
It’s time to check your coin jars, drawers, and old piggy banks—because a simple 2p coin could turn out to be a mini jackpot. The 1983 ‘New Pence’ 2p coin has become one of the most sought-after coins in the UK due to a rare design flaw that makes it incredibly valuable. If you happen to find one, it might fetch you as much as £1,700.
The Origin of the Rare 1983 ‘New Pence’ 2p Coin
Back in 1971, when the UK decimalised its currency, the two pence coin was released with the inscription ‘NEW PENCE’. This was to differentiate it from earlier pre-decimal coinage.
However, in 1982, the Royal Mint made an official change—‘NEW PENCE’ was replaced with ‘TWO PENCE’ on all 2p coins.
Yet, due to a minting oversight, a small number of 2p coins in 1983 were accidentally produced with the old ‘NEW PENCE’ design. This small batch, now extremely rare, is what collectors are scrambling to find.
Why Is This Coin So Valuable?
The value of this 2p coin stems from three major factors:
- Rarity: Only a limited number of these coins exist.
- Error Design: It was never meant to be minted with ‘NEW PENCE’ in 1983.
- Collector Demand: Rare error coins often command high prices in numismatic circles.
These coins were not intended for general circulation and were likely placed in presentation sets, meaning they were carefully preserved and not used in everyday spending.
How to Identify a 1983 ‘New Pence’ 2p Coin
To determine if you have this valuable coin, inspect it carefully for these features:
- Year: The coin must be clearly marked 1983.
- Back Inscription: Instead of ‘TWO PENCE’, it should say ‘NEW PENCE’.
- Condition: Coins that are uncirculated or in mint condition are worth significantly more.
Estimated Market Value
| Condition | Estimated Value (£) |
|---|---|
| Circulated | £400 – £700 |
| Uncirculated | £1,000 – £1,300 |
| Mint Condition in Set | Up to £1,700 |
Tips for Collectors
- Store Properly: Keep rare coins in protective cases to avoid tarnish or wear.
- Do Not Clean: Cleaning coins can reduce their value—leave them in original condition.
- Get a Professional Appraisal: If you believe you’ve found one, have it verified by an expert.
Even though finding one is rare, many were unknowingly broken out of their sets and may have ended up in everyday circulation over time. That’s why it’s always worth checking those old coin collections!
What looks like a simple copper coin in your drawer might actually be a rare collector’s gem. The 1983 ‘New Pence’ 2p coin stands out due to a minting error and extremely limited availability.
If you’re lucky enough to find one, it could earn you up to £1,700. Take a few minutes to check your old coins—you might be sitting on a small fortune without even knowing it!
FAQs
Can I find a 1983 ‘New Pence’ 2p in loose change?
It’s extremely rare but possible if someone accidentally spent a coin from a collector’s set.
What makes the 1983 version different from other ‘New Pence’ coins?
The ‘NEW PENCE’ inscription was officially retired in 1982, so its appearance on 1983 coins was a minting mistake.
How do I sell this coin if I find one?
You can approach coin dealers, collectors, or auction houses—but make sure it’s authenticated to get the best price.