Several ‘extremely rare’ 50p coins are being sold by County Durham residents for up to 10,000 times their face value.

The items, which are listed on eBay with a ‘buy it now’ price of £15,000, have been seen over recent months, alongside others priced between £5,000 and £10,000.

One of the coins up for sale on eBay One of the coins up for sale on eBay (Image: EBAY) One of the coins listed is a Benjamin Bunny 2017 Elizabeth II 50 pence piece and is described as being ‘extremely rare’ by the seller, from County Durham.

The item description reads: “This is an incredibly rare 50p coin featuring Benjamin Bunny from the 2017 Elizabeth II era.

Another of the coins that has appeared on eBay Another of the coins that has appeared on eBay (Image: EBAY)

“The coin has a fineness of 0.5 and was manufactured in the United Kingdom, specifically in Great Britain.

“It is a must-have for any coin collector, especially those interested in British coins."

Other rare coins from sellers in the region include Brexit 50p coins, Commonwealth Coins and Beatrix Potter 50p's. 

What makes a coin valuable?

The 50 pence piece has become the most valued and collected coin in the UK, with many collectable designs appearing on its heptagonal canvas.

Its 27.5mm diameter makes it the largest of any British coin, and allows space for decorative pictures. It has often been used to celebrate big events over the past 50 years of British history.

The rarest coins tend to be of the greatest value, with the mintage (number of coins with each design made) being the fundamental attraction for collectors.

Along with the design, other aspects of the coin which increase value are the condition of the coin and whether it has an error in its design.

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The way in which it is sold can also determine the coin’s value - while some coin collectors will bid vast amounts of money on ebay or at auction, others opt for more robust valuations by selling via a coin dealer.

Royal Mint top 10 most valuable 50p coins

Here is a list of the top 10 most valuable coins, when they were made and how many were minted:

  1. Atlantic Salmon (2023), 200,000
  2. Kew Gardens (2009), 210,000
  3. Olympic Wrestling (2011), 1,129,500
  4. OlympicFootball(2011), 1,161,500
  5. Olympic Judo (2011), 1,161,500
  6. Olympic Triathlon (2011), 1,163,500
  7. Peter Rabbit (2018), 1,400,000
  8. Flopsy Bunny (2018), 1,400,000
  9. Olympic Tennis (2011), 1,454,000
  10. Olympic Goalball (2011), 1,615,500