Fancy finding some rare UK coins that could be worth thousands of pounds? With this guide, you’ll discover 20 of the rarest and most valuable UK coins ever to be minted.
No one likes to spend money on old faded coins that are not worth much. Wouldn’t you prefer to hold onto your hard-earned cash for something more useful? But how can you spot a rare coin if you see one?
There is no easy way to tell what rare coins are valuable and which ones are just scrapped metal. That is why we have written this post to share our knowledge of twenty of the rarest coins in the UK and their various values.
Table of Contents
20 Rare And Valuable UK Coins: List
No |
Coin |
Grade |
Price |
1 |
Great Britain Henry Vii, 1485-1509. Sovereign: Type I |
– |
$499,375 |
2 |
1773 George III Pattern 5 Guineas |
PF64 |
$444,625 |
3 |
1839 Great Britain Gold “Una And The Lion” 5 Pounds Pattern |
PR64 |
$408,000 |
4 |
Edward VI 1547-1553. Fine Sovereign of 30 Shillings |
MS62 |
$329,000 |
5 |
1692 William & Mary: 5 Guineas, London Mint |
MS62 |
$312,000 |
6 |
Great Britain William IV 1830-1837: Pattern Crown In Gold |
PF63 |
$305,500 |
7 |
Great Britain Silver Crown Pattern 1817 London Mint George III |
PR64 |
$204,000 |
8 |
Great Britain Pound, 1642 Oxford Mint Charles I |
AU53 |
$120,000 |
9 |
Great Britain. Edward Vii (1901-1910) |
SP62 |
$117,500 |
10 |
1713 Anne 5 Guineas |
AU58 |
$114,000 |
11 |
Great Britain Triple Unite 1642 Charles I (1625-49) |
MS61 |
$108,000 |
12 |
Mary 1553-1554 Ryal of 15 Shillings |
VF |
$105,750 |
13 |
Elizabeth I, 1558-1603. Ryal, ND (1585-87). Escallop |
– |
$105,750 |
14 |
Henry VIII, 1509-1547. Sovereign Lis/Arrow |
– |
$99,875 |
15 |
Great Britain 5 Pounds, 1826, George IV |
PR62 |
$96,000 |
16 |
Spur-Ral (15 Shillings), ND (1619-24). Third Coinage James I |
MS63 |
$94,000 |
17 |
1818 Silver Crown Pattern Gold Shield: George III |
PR64 |
$90,000 |
18 |
Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell, 1649-1658. Pattern Broad of 20 Shillings |
PF63 |
$76,375 |
19 |
5 Guineas, 1720. George I (1714-27) |
AU53 |
$72,000 |
20 |
Charles I, 1625-1649. Triple Unite |
– |
1. Great Britain Henry Vii, 1485-1509. Sovereign: Type I
Price: $499,375
This unique British coin includes a King seated on the throne with lower back and larger head than other varieties, holding orb and scepter. Extremely uncommon coin. This is a rare event in an American sale, or indeed any auction, to have the first of four Fine Sovereigns from the first Tudor ruler cataloged here.
There were just two separate Henry VII class sovereigns in the fabled Montagu sales. An appealing key type. The coin is exceptionally beautifully struck, has bright surfaces, and has excellent detailing.
Only a few spots along the periphery of the design have small legends, but not enough to detract from the stunning beauty of this historic first Sovereign issue. In this extensive collection of British gold coins, this is one of the most significant examples.
2. 1773 George III Pattern 5 Guineas
Price: $444,625
Grade: PF64
Right-facing laureate breast with exquisite hair detailing. Rv. crowned and adorned arms. John Tanner engraved these. The last denominational Five Guineas type was made exclusively as a pattern. With semi-high relief hair features towering majestically above the partially reflecting surfaces, this is quite attractively engraved.
The opposite shows some collar disruption when created at 1 o’clock. Before striking, the flan had linear polishing lines that could be seen through a glass. The coin portrays its natural color and shiny surfaces all around.
A first-order brilliant milled English gold rare. At the 1985 50th Anniversary Stack’s sale, this brought in $52,800.00 despite the market not being particularly robust. In the Law core collection sale at the ANA, the RARE and desirable George III currency did exceptionally well.
3. 1839 Great Britain Gold “Una And The Lion” 5 Pounds Pattern
Price: $408,000
Grade: PR64
The “Una and the Lion” Pattern in gold, which atop a peak of unadulterated aesthetic beauty that can only be approached rather than overcome, represents the form of beauty on its generously proportioned gold flan. The Faerie Queene, an epic poem by Edmund Spenser, serves as the inspiration for this artwork, which was created in the mind of William Wyon and bears his initials on both sides.
With the painstakingly engraved intricacies of Victoria’s bust being flawlessly translated to the planchet, the current sample shows Wyon’s concept in all its brilliance. The reverse even outdoes this, with the lion walking proudly to the left while displaying a full mane of finely divided hair.
It is impossible to overstate this piece’s mesmerizing glitz and RARITY. Since the Royal Mint released its “Great Engravers” series, interest in this style has increased, with most of this naturally being aimed back at the few originals that are still in existence today.
Without an example of the fabled “Una and the Lion,” no collection of British coins can claim to be complete, and this lion offers the chance for the most seasoned collectors to acquire a piece that highlights the Neoclassical movement, Victorian splendor, and medieval folklore of England all in one coin.
4. Edward VI 1547-1553. Fine Sovereign of 30 Shillings
Price: $329,000
Henry VII’s Fine Sovereigns fashion. Featuring the King seated on a throne with an orb, scepter, and portcullis; his appearance as a youngster is dubious (he looks somewhat like James I). With a square-topped shield in the middle, the Rev. Tudor rose.
In British history, it is a very important and scarce currency. A remarkable type and an essential component for a collection of Fine Sovereigns from the Tudor Dynasty. Since it was last offered for sale at Spink’s Reverend Mallinson Sale in 1984, this museum artifact has been off the market.
Here is a piece with a solid history that two passionate academics have admired for sixty years. Excellent color on an almost circular flan, with only a few locations where the legends are short. There is a tiny crack next to the ostrich head, albeit it is difficult to see.
5. 1692 William & Mary: 5 Guineas, London Mint
Price: $312,000
Grade: MS62
This exceptional and magnificent RARITY offers highly shiny surfaces that are problem-free and full of individuality. It is incredibly rare and majestic. A testament to its rarity, this specimen is the best certified by NGC, while PCGS has only graded one at this level and one at MS-63.
In our spring 2018 Hong Kong auction, the aforementioned MS-62 by PCGS—a strikingly like example—reached a hammer price of $170,000. (lot 52146). The present artwork will unquestionably compare favorably to or even above this standard because of how highly desirable it is.
This issue, along with others like it, bears the elephant & castle symbol beneath the busts of the kings and was created with gold supplies acquired by the Royal African Company, a business operating under a royal license in the “Gold Coast” of western Africa.
The corporation was charged with acquiring the precious metal due to a lack of gold in the realm in order to permit additional coinage.
6. Great Britain William IV 1830-1837: Pattern Crown In Gold
Price: $305,500
Grade: PF63
Here is yet another extremely rare and significant British coin. This item is undoubtedly one of the most priceless items in the Thomas H. Law cabinet. This Pattern Crown in gold is much, much rarer and hardly ever offered at public auction, even though the 1839 Una and Lion is among the most recognizable British machine-minted gold rarities.
This coin is a striking and audacious demonstration. There are few hairlines to detract from the brilliance of the cameo surfaces, which are startlingly icy throughout the large expanses and flow naturally across the captivating mirrored surfaces. In the 1980s, this rare coin was valued between mid- and high-five figures.
These days, spectacular rarities in exceptional condition are highly sought after, and this jewel is more than deserving of setting a record price. A show-stopper currently and in several ANA exhibits, with the medals to back it up.
7. Great Britain Silver Crown Pattern 1817 London Mint George III
Price: $204,000
Grade: PR64
This Crown Pattern, which is undoubtedly the most beautiful and alluring one ever created by Wyon or the Royal Mint in general, is very magnificent. The surfaces, which have highly reflective fields and delicately textured devices that contrast well with them, are further accentuated by an iridescence that is wrapped in a seductively deep cabinet tone.
This item is described by the authors of English Silver Coinage as having a mintage of just 50 examples, few of which can compare to the magnificence of this work of art. It is an extremely unique specimen and the first of its kind ever sold at Stack Bowers auction.
8. Great Britain Pound, 1642 Oxford Mint Charles I
Price: $120,000
Grade: AU53
Obverse: Charles riding a horse traveling to the left while holding a sword and reins; plumes to the right, a pile of arms below; Reverse: Two lines of a declaration between two lines that are parallel, with three plumes above.
This spectacular and colossal specimen would surely be the centerpiece of any cutting-edge collection related to Charles I, the English Civil War, or enormous crowns of the world because it has deep cabinet toning and almost any signs of actual handling.
Given its size, the time period, and the circumstances surrounding its issuance, the strike is fairly astounding. It should not be surprising that this sample is the only one graded for the type at PCGS given the astounding RARITY, especially in this condition of preservation.
9. Great Britain. Edward Vii (1901-1910)
Price: $117,500
Grade: SP62
Charles I’s Tower Mint Crowns-inspired patterns. Crowned equine figure to the left of Edward VII wearing coronation robes inside a beaded circle, LONDONIA monogram on the field behind the king, a tiny “S” for Spink below the ground line, and surrounding legends read EDWARD:VII,D:G:BRIT:ET TERRAR: TRANSMARIN: On the reverse Fancy oval arms in a beaded circle surround the legends Q:I:D:S:BRITANNICA.REX.FID:DEF:IND:IMP:[sunface mintmark].
The die work is really amazing; it combines the fine detail of British engravers of the late 19th century with the rougher Charles I Tower Mint Crowns that this Pattern issue imitates, as well as textured fields and the look of hand-cut writing.
The sole Gold pattern documented for the reign of Edward VII is this privately created Spink & Son pattern, which Wilson & Rasmussen classify as Rarity-6 (3 to 5 known). All other issues listed are Proofs and their variants. Extra thick silver pieces, which correspond to half-pound and pound pieces, are also known and are more frequently found in silver of regular weight.
The Eliasberg Specimen is the only gold pattern from Edward VII’s reign that has been recorded.
10. 1713 Anne 5 Guineas
Price: $114,000
Grade: AU58
The regal majesty of these stunning Anne 5 Guineas is hard to put into words. The very brief but noticeable impact of her rule can be attributed to the popularity of her issues, with the 5 Guineas alone occupying the zenith of desirability.
The majority of the remaining Anne 5 Guineas appear to have been kept in the lower levels of Almost Uncirculated or Extremely Fine condition, despite being quite SCARCE in any state.
This specimen comes close to Mint State and, in this cataloger’s opinion, has all the appeal of an Uncirculated exemplar. It is difficult to see any signs of circulation, and the shine is full and brilliant.
A hint of rich orange color towards the lower obverse perimeter brightens the piece’s generally sunny tint, contributing to its beauty. The strike is robust and almost complete, with the uppermost elements showing just a slight sign of weakening. Only three samples from this period (1713) have received grades better than MS-61 from PCGS and NGC.
11. Great Britain Triple Unite 1642 Charles I (1625-49)
Price: $108,000
Grade: MS61
Plume mint mark, Oxford mint. Tall, slender bust; reverse: proclamation in three wavy lines, denomination above, and date below. None in mint state at PCGS; second-best certified at NGC.
It is the biggest and heaviest hammered gold coin ever produced in England. The king’s image has good quality, and the legends are all clear and sharp on both sides with only little doubling. Nice strike. There are a few tiny imperfections on the obverse field, but they hardly take away from how attractive this coin looks overall. Minor toning, glossy, and pretty lovely on both sides.
12. Mary 1553-1554 Ryal of 15 Shillings
Price: $105,750
Grade: VF
The queen is seated atop the ship while clutching a sword and a shield. Rv. Featuring a Floriated cross with lions within an eight-arched tressure; rising on the blazing sun in the middle.
An important Mary type that is only found in the most exclusive collections. This piece has a superb pedigree chain and was produced using the same dies as the Norweb coin. On the reverse, a few scuffs and a brief flan crack are visible. Some legends are a little off-kilter, but that is irrelevant when you consider how rare something like this is.
13. Elizabeth I, 1558-1603. Ryal, ND (1585-87). Escallop
Price: $105,750
On the obverse is Queen Elizabeth standing aboard a ship with a characteristic ruff at the bottom center and an elaborate outfit. Rv. Floriated cross with lions within an eight-arched tressure; rose on blazing sun in the middle. The opposite is identical to this style’s Mary Ryal. exceptional and special.
a pattern with excellent intricacies and well-done die work. The Reverend Mallinson was an excellent steward of his wonderful cabinet, just as Mr. Law was, and this rare came from the Mallinson collection sale. The face shows some mild wear, while the reverse exhibits crisp shine and appears to be a Mint State specimen.
The edges of the shortened inscriptions from 8 to 11 o’clock have some roughness that seems manufactured (though the Spink catalogers considered it clipping back in 1984). Nearly 30 years ago, this coin was hammered down at £6,000! This exquisite coin is sure to sell for multiples of that amount given the attention that rarities like this always attract on a global scale.
14. Henry VIII, 1509-1547. Sovereign Lis/Arrow
Price: $99,875
King seated, holding scepter and orb, with portcullis at bottom of feet. Rv. two tressures. Excellent type with all the eye appeal you would expect from this illustrious (or infamous!) monarch.
This definitely fits the model of a sovereign, which would be crafted with great care to be utilized as royal favors. excellent and impressive condition of preservation. Strong centers and exceptionally round and nicely struck pieces with firmly impressed writing.
Whatever the case, this coin is among the best ever found and would serve as the focal point of any collection of global or British gold. There is a minor repair on the robe.
15. Great Britain 5 Pounds, 1826, George IV
Price: $96,000
Grade: PR62
This magnificent proof issue, an outstanding RARITY of the British milled series, exudes beauty from its deep cameo surfaces. George IV’s flawlessly executed portraiture shows an emotive side of the king and is decorated with stunning embellishments.
The fields have an exquisite reflected quality and a rich mirror-like gloss. On George’s cheek, there is a slight breach in the fine frost that covers the devices. Given the lack of hits, some friction is probably what causes the grade to be what it is.
However, this item is exceedingly stunning and is a magnificent representation of the renowned 11-piece proof set from 1826. Due to the rarity of specimens on the market.
16. Spur-Ral (15 Shillings), ND (1619-24). Third Coinage James I
Price: $94,000
Grade: MS63
The currency on offer here can be considered as a by-product of his success as a leader, who not only led Britain away from the devastating Thirty Years War but also significantly increased foreign trade, which in turn pulled a large amount of gold from the new world into British coffers.
A coin of the highest degree of rarity, numismatic importance, and historical relevance that is also incredibly well-kept. The fact that the item is free of tone or other color aberrations is not surprising considering that it was struck in almost pure gold. The degree of detail is stunning, with bold legends encircling beautifully modeled devices inside, and was expertly struck from what look to be new dies.
17. 1818 Silver Crown Pattern Gold Shield: George III
Price: $90,000
Grade: PR64
The beautiful pattern issue of this EXTREMELY RARE kind, of which Bull estimates that there are only two to three additional examples known, has a deep, seductive tone on top of its brilliance and cleanly struck surfaces.
It is obvious that this sample is among the most coveted English crowns for the connoisseur, and this interest should help it soar to tremendous heights.
18. Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell, 1649-1658. Pattern Broad of 20 Shillings
Price: $76,375
Grade: PF63
A historical pattern issue designed to look like a royal issue. The Commonwealth coins that were produced for general use reflected the stern demeanor of the Puritan “roundheads.” This coin was undoubtedly made for a self-styled king by his supporters.
A great illustration is this audacious cameo proof. Only a close investigation reveals a few sparse hairlines in the field. A slight defect in the field is mentioned by the Spink catalogers. Only two of the five proofs that NGC has authenticated have been graded finer.
19. 5 Guineas, 1720. George I (1714-27)
Price: $72,000
Grade: AU53
A lovely, problem-free AU with light surface circulation evidence, but no significant defects deserving of individual mention. The overall eye appeal is boosted by the warm orange shade and the shimmer of leftover luster within the outer legends.
A very rare date that is highly sought-after because of its rarity, with only six unique instances turning up in auction records dating back to 2003. Currently tied with one other sample for the best graded at PCGS, the NGC grading census shows one higher certified example.
20. Charles I, 1625-1649. Triple Unite
Price: $70,500
The highest English hammered denomination ever struck was the Triple Unite, which was worth three pounds or sixty shillings. Despite being dated 1642, it was printed between January and March 1643 at the Oxford Mint, which was hastily established during the first English Civil War of 1642–1646, at New Inn Hall in Oxford.
A really well-made illustration of this urgent matter with distinct gown and hair features. The piece has only been cleaned once, but it is already moving toward a gorgeous overall color with coppery highlights in the letters. At 12 o’clock, the top edge is flattened.
Last Words
Do you have a stack of old coins collecting dust in a drawer somewhere? Before you hit up an online auction site, you should do your homework. The best way to ensure the value of old coins is to identify them first.
Yes, investing in rare coins can be rewarding and financially lucrative. If you believe online reviews, those rare coins paid for the reviewer’s mortgage many times over. However, not every coin you buy will be a winner, and like any investment you make, you have to be willing to lose money sometimes.
Always purchase your rare coins from a reputable dealer. If they offer a guarantee or a return policy on rare coins that they sell, take advantage of it. You might own the rarest coin in the history of Britain, but if you buy it from someone who isn’t reputable or trustworthy then it may be worthless when you go to sell it.
