When buying a coin at an online auction, it can be tempting to act fast – in a bid to avoid missing out on picking up the item. However, it’s often advisable to do plenty of research first, and where possible, seek advice from a coin expert. That’s because some coins may end up listed – and potentially selling – for a huge amount of money. That seems to be the hope of eBay user “mele1901”, who has put a 1918 Representation of the People Act 50p coin, which was released in 2018, up for sale.
The listing comes with a starting price of £2,300.
However, at the time of writing, there were no bids on the item.
The seller has posted two photographs of the coin, and written twice that it is “rare”.
However, apart from telling eBay users that the 50 pence piece would be dispatched via a first class letter, there is little else in the description.
It’s not quite clear as to why the seller seems confident that this coin may reach such a huge price.
The publication Spend it? Save it? What should you do? shares some insight into this 50p design.
While its mintage is not published in the guide, it estimates the value of the coin to be £3.
In fact, it seems that the mintage of this coin is yet to be confirmed, and as such, Change Checker have not yet ranked this coin on its scarcity index.
The coin was released by the Royal Mint in order to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Representation of the People Act being passed.
This meant that servicemen over the age of 19, all men aged 21 or over, and women over the age of 30 were granted the right to vote.
Women over the age of 21 were later given the same right as males their age in 1928, upon the passing of the Equal Franchise Act.
Fake coins are often not the right weight or diameter
Matt Curtis, Historics Manager for Collector Services at The Royal Mint
This coin design is by Stephen Taylor, and depicts five men and women lining up to vote, with one of the women holding a voting card up in the air.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Matt Curtis, who is the Historics Manager for Collector Services at The Royal Mint, explained what to ensure when buying from individual sellers at an online auction.
When quizzed on the matter, he explained that it’s the willingness of the seller to provide additional information which could be telling.
“If they are selling a genuine coin they will be happy to help with extra info and details about the coin,” he said.
“Fake coins are often not the right weight or diameter, so asking the seller for these measurements is definitely worthwhile before you purchase.”
A World War One General Kitchener £2 coin is also up for sale on eBay – but how much is it worth?
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