Blog Home
Errors, Mules and Mis-strikes: Why the 2014 Year of the Horse Silver Coin is so sought after
We all have our favourite coins to collect, whether it be historic coins, special 50p designs or coins from around the world.
But one thing that piques the interest of almost all collectors, including myself, is the elusive ‘error’ coin.
Examples of error coins – top: nickel brockage error, bottom: Indian 25 paise mis-strike
Considering the high levels of technology involved in minting coins and the number of different quality controls in place, it is extremely rare that a coin is minted with an error. And it is even rarer for an error coin to be released to the public.
However, over the years there have been sporadic cases of error coins being struck and issued to the public. Just a few things that would be considered an error would be an off-centre strike, a crack in the die or even use of the wrong die completely!
And that last one is exactly what happened to the 2014 Year of the Horse Lunar Silver Coin when it was incorrectly struck with the distinctive denticle obverse of the 2014 Britannia coin.
Comparison of 2014 Year of the Horse error and non-error coin
After an investigation, it was discovered that approximately 38,000 Year of the Horse coins were struck with the incorrect denticled edge on the obverse. And once The Royal Mint confirmed this as a genuine error, these coins understandably became incredibly sought after.
2014 Year of the Horse explanation of error
What makes these error coins particularly desirable is that, because it was issued as a bullion coin, many were sold around the world to coin dealers and investors. That means that they are much harder for the British public to track down. Plus, of course, in terms of pure numbers struck they are considerably scarcer than previous errors such as the ‘undated 20p’.
In fact, Ebay listings have seen the value of these coins soar to around 30 times their original value! So if you are lucky enough to own the 2014 Year of the Horse coin, I’d suggest you go and have a closer look at it!
If you’re interested…
We have a small number of the ‘Year of the Horse Silver Mule Sets’ available to buy. This set contains the Year of the Horse error coin alongside the correct version of the coin for easy comparison. This ‘mule’ is an absolute must for any collection and is extremely rare, so secure yours today.
Could you be hiding a small fortune in the attic?
I am sure we have all dreamt of stumbling across a dusty old stamp collection or long forgotten silver coin secretly worth a small fortune hiding somewhere in the house.
Unfortunately I am yet to stumble across my fortune in the attic, but this dream recently came true for a grandmother from Hull when she found a 1644 Oxford Crown in her late grandfather’s coin collection.
The reverse of the Silver-plated Charles I Oxford Replica coin, depicts Charles I on horseback with the City of Oxford in the background.
While clearing out her attic she found a shoebox of coins she had inherited from her grandfather decades ago. She initially offered the collection to her children, who rejected what they saw as ‘worthless junk’.
She then considered binning her collection of relics, before making the decision to have the coins valued along with a number of other family heirlooms.
That’s when she discovered that amongst her collection was the incredibly rare 1644 Charles I Oxford Silver Crown. This coin was struck for just one year and is considered by many numismatic experts to be one of the most beautiful British coins ever produced.
Struck in 1644, this crown was minted while the country was in the midst of a Civil War. The coin features a portrait of King Charles I on horseback placed against a fantastic rendition of the City of Oxford which was his headquarters during the English Civil War.
King Charles I. Monarch of the three kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland from March 1625 until his execution in January 1649.
It is no wonder that this coin is so highly valued. It is incredibly rare, the design is one of the most intricate ever struck on a British coin and it marks one of the most significant moments in our nation’s history – the English Civil War.
The historic coin is expected to reach in excess of £100,000 at auction and the owner plans to use the money to help her granddaughter, currently expecting her first child, to fund a house deposit.
I think it’s time for me to have another dig around in the attic!
_______________________________________________________________________________________
If you’re interested…
For those not planning on bidding in the auction for this exceptionally rare coin, we have a limited stock of just 36 Silver-plated replicas available of the beautiful 1644 Oxford Crown. Click here to find out more >>>
The New Paddington 50p coins – full issue details confirmed.
In February it was confirmed by Royal Proclamation that the most British of bears – Paddington – would feature on two new UK 50p coins.
We can now reveal the full details of the first issue. Officially released on 18th of June, currently available to order.
Limited Edition Silver Proof 50p Coin
60,000 official Royal Mint Limited Edition Presentations of the coin will feature Paddington in full colour sitting on his suitcase at Paddington Station.
The coin is struck from Sterling Silver to the highest proof finish and is presented in an acrylic display case.
Given the immense popularity of the coloured Beatrix Potter 50p coins over the last 3 years, which have continued to sell out year-on-year, collectors can look forward to this issue being equally collectable.
You can order the new Limited Edition Silver Proof Paddington at the Station 50p coin here for £65 with FREE p&p.
Base Metal Brilliant Uncirculated Collector’s Edition
But Paddington fans don’t only have the option of the Limited Edition Silver version. A special collector’s quality Brilliant Uncirculated coin will be struck in the normal 50p circulating metal (cupro-nickel) and will be available for as little as £3.99 in a Change Checker Certified BU Collector’s Card or £10 in the official Royal Mint Presentation Pack.
You can order the new Base Metal Brilliant Uncirculated Paddington at the Station 50p coin here for £3.99 +p&p.
Second coin design revealed today
But that’s not all the good news for Paddington fans. The Royal Mint has revealed the second 50p coin design today for the very first time…
Featuring Paddington outside Buckingham Palace, the second issue will be released later this year in silver and base metal but is available to pre-order here.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
If you’re interested…
You can view the full selection of 2018 Paddington 50p coins that are available here >>>