2017 Quarter 2 Change Checker “Scarcity Index” Released
Following the launch of the Change Checker “Scarcity Index” earlier this year the Quarter 2 Index has just been published.
It takes into account all of the latest ownership and swap information and, most importantly, this Quarter factors in the Royal Mint’s confirmed mintage figures for the 2016 releases.
Jemima Puddle-duck confirmed as most sought-after Beatrix Potter 50p.
For many Change Checkers, the most eagerly anticipated information concerns the Beatrix Potter 50p coins. Following confirmation of the low Jemima Puddle-duck mintage in comparison to the other 3 character designs, we can see the significant effect on the Scarcity Index – with Jemima Puddle-duck holding a scarcity score of over double the next character, Squirrel Nutkin.
For those of you still keen to add Jemima Puddle-duck to your collection, why not enter our Face Value Ballot.
Elsewhere among the 50p coins, it will be of little surprise that Kew Gardens maintains its top spot as the UK’s most sought after circulation coin, whilst Isaac Newton debuts with a score of 23 after its surprise limited release into circulation last month. That will certainly be one to watch over next quarter.
New coin crowned as the UK’s scarcest £2 Coin
Interestingly, the £2 Scarcity Index has seen a new coin top the list. Jumping up 2 places and from an Index score of 81, the England Commonwealth Games £2 coin takes the crown this quarter, benefiting from extra swap interest. However, there are no great surprises when you look at the other top 4 £2 coins, which comprise the other Commonwealth Games coins. Indeed the average Scarcity Index Score for the 4 Commonwealth Games coins has jumped almost 10 points for 85.5 to 94.75.
Elsewhere, we have seen a relaxation in the figures for the 2016 coins as they have made their way into wider circulation and The Royal Mint has confirmed sensible mintages.
How the Scarcity Index works
Generally collectors have had to rely upon mintage figures to identify the scarcest coins. But they only tell part of the story. Trying to find a good quality coin from 15 – 20 years ago, even for a higher mintage issue, is much more challenging than a more recent issue, as coins become damaged over time and are ultimately removed from circulation.
Additionally, some designs are more hoarded than others by people who might not normally collect coins – the recent poignant First World War £2 Coin series being an example. Finally, it can be up to a couple of years before the Royal Mint eventually confirms the actual mintage for an issue.
That’s why we have combined the mintage information with two other key pieces of information.
- How many of each design are listed as “collected” by Change Checkers, indicating the relative ease of finding a particular coin.
- The number of times a design has been requested as a swap over the previous 3 months, showing the current level of collector demand.
Importantly, as new coins are released and popularity rises and falls across different designs the Scarcity Index will be updated quarterly allowing Change Checkers to track the relative performance of the UK’s circulation coins.
How much are my coins worth?
The Scarcity Index does not necessarily equate to value but it is certainly an effective indicator. For example, the Kew Gardens 50p coin commands a premium of up to 160 times face value on eBay.
What about £1 Coins?
The £1 Scarcity Index has already been published for the Round £1 coins and, because they are no longer being issued, this is now set in stone.
What is the value of £2 coin King James Bible 1611-2011
Hi Michelle, The King James Bible £2 coin sells for between £3.50-£5 on eBay. Thanks Luke
I can’t see the capture of Gibraltar 50p on the scarcity rating? How rare is it?
Hi Keith, this is because the Scarcity Index only includes UK circulation coins. However, we are looking to add British Isles coins to our web app in the near future. Thanks Luke
Hello, I have three trial coins that I would like to sell: the 1994 2pound trial coin; the 2015 1pound trial coin and the 2016 1pound trial coin. Anyone know what the three coins are worth together?
Yesterday I got a £2 Great Fire of London coin. How much is it worth?
Hi Carol, the Great Fire of London £2 coin currently sells for between £2-£4.50 on eBay, depending on condition. I hope this helps- Luke
i am looking for 2009 50p with the shield not kew I then have everyone minted they have them on ebay but are very dear
Hi I have one of the new five pound notes and it haze lines missing on queens head would this be worth anything can send pictures if need many thanks
Hi Chase, yes that would be helpful, please could you email a photo to [email protected] Thanks-Luke
Hi, I have a defected new (2016 dated) pound coin. The rim has not been joined/moulded correctly. Would this be worth anything? Also on the 50p side of things I have 3 of the jemima puddle duck coins along with 31 other designs. How do I find out if they are wprth anything? Regards Nic
Hi Nic, Could you possibly send a photo to [email protected] and we can take a look at it for you? Thanks- Luke
I’ve managed to acquire a rare aquatics 50p, one of estimated 600 with the face covered with water and I’m wondering if there’s anyone who can verify if it is real or not as I have heard about fakes being produced and sold.
Hi Chris, We’d be happy to take a look at it for you if you could please email a photo to [email protected] Thanks Luke
I have a 50p. 2016 Battle of Hastings 1066, how much is it worth please.
Hi Helen, a circulated version of The Battle of Hastings 50p coins sells for between 50p-£2 on eBay. I hope this helps- Luke
What is happening re Isaac Newton 50p ?
Have the royal mint released a BUNC pack yet ? Westminster coins says its unavailable, was it ever available? And i cant find any press release from RM saying it was released into circulation ?
Hi Lesley,
What we know is that The Royal Mint released a small number of Isaac Newton 50ps into circulation, they confirmed this on their social media pages. There is still no confirmed release date but this is expected later this year.
Thanks
Luke
Thank you.
Has anyone seen the latest 2016 £2 coin yet. Is it common as one thinks or is it worth holding back and keeping.
On the queen side it has the words 2 pounds and reverse side a sword going through a crown. With words William Shakespeare 2016…I wait for your reply.
Just got one today. Checking to find out what it represents…
Denis. Lisburn Northern Ireland..
There are 3 £2 coins representing William Shakespeare
yes they are out there
I think your scarcity indices should identify year of issue. I have 2 Commonwealth Games Scotland £2 coins, dated 1986, XIII Games held in Edinburgh, and 2002, XVII Games with the Scottish flag.
Regards,
Brian Little
I have commemorative sets from 1982 till2009 of the british mint without the 5 pounds coin to break these sets and collect coins individually really pains me I think you understand what I am trying to say example I p coin 5p coins 50 p coins 2 pounds coins datewise these sets are sealed I did open some of the packs I managed to finish full sets of 1 pound coins and 50p coins I still need to finish the2pounds set thanks for sharing
I was disappointed that I couldn’t enter the Jemima prize draw but I did find the girl guide 50p in the basket among my 5p savings.
I could not believe my luck when my daughter was at work and the sandwich lady was sifting through her change and my daughter spotted the Kew Gardens 50p and grabbed it for me, I’m over the moon been looking for years, just goes to show there is still some out there, so happy
Why do you not rate the commemorative pack versions of some of these coins? i.e. First world war centenary (Navy) but with IRB Queen’s Head……
I absolutley agree,
there is a lot to be said about the commemorative packs
they are a brilliant collection in their own right.
Les.