If you own a 50p coin showing the late Queen Elizabeth II, you may have come across online listings valuing it at an astonishing £45,000 due to what’s being called a “necklace” variety. However, a seasoned coin expert has exposed this as a misunderstanding—and possibly a scam.
Sharing his insights with over 37,000 Instagram followers, the expert questioned the hype surrounding the coin: “£45,000 FOR A 50p?!” He clarified that the so-called “necklace” is simply part of the regular portrait design and does not represent any rare error or valuable variety.
“There is no rare ‘necklace’ error,” he explained. “The Queen appears with jewellery on many standard UK coins. This isn’t a special minting or secret version hiding in your change.” In fact, he confirmed that the actual value of this coin is just 50p.
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The expert cautioned that many of the viral listings are accompanied by misleading photos and fake listings seeking to take advantage of unsuspecting collectors. His straightforward advice? “If you’ve got one, spend it… or keep it as a conversation piece.”
Collectors are urged to remain vigilant when encountering coins listed at extreme prices. To avoid falling victim to counterfeit or inflated claims, always verify authenticity with reputable professionals. Checking the seller’s history, reviewing verified sale prices instead of listing prices on platforms like eBay, and consulting local coin dealers or numismatic organizations such as the British Numismatic Trade Association (BNTA) are essential steps.
Finally, avoid cleaning rare coins, as this can irreversibly damage their value, and always use secure payment methods and understand return policies when making purchases.