eBay is bustling with rare coins, with many eBay sellers looking to make big bucks from their small change.
One coin that bring in the big bucks is a “rare” Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary 50p coin.
Much to the seller’s delight the coin sold for a staggering £2,430, 4,860 times its intended 50p value.
The coin is described as a “Rare 50p Fifty Pence Coin Johnson’s Dictionary 1755 Saxon Plural Of Penny 2005”.
Elaborating on the item, the seller added: “Rare plural of a penny 50p Coin 2005. Commerating Johnston’s Dictionary’s 1755.” [sic]
The coin was sold by eBay user “hotelkeeperneil” who is based in Bedford and boasts 100 per cent positive feedback.
It is unclear who won the item, but the seller bought the coin for its full “buy it now” price.
The seller offered free delivery by courier, taking special care to make sure the rare coin was delivered to the winner safely.
Minted in 2005 this particular coin was designed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Samuel Johnson’s A Dictionary of the English Language.
It was designed by English artist Tom Phillips and features engraved entries from the historic dictionary.
Published in 1755, Samuel Johnson’s dictionary took eight years to write, and is one of the most influential dictionaries in the history of the English language.
The work of Samuel Johnson was so influential that authors such as Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde and Thomas Hardy all famously referred to it.
Despite the high selling prince, the coin is actually not as rare as initially thought.
Not becoming that scarce in its 12 years of circulation, the coin has a rating of “common” on scarcity index Change Checker.
Regardless of its rarity the coin celebrates an important moment in British literary history.
Yesterday, another rare 50p was listed on eBay for a whopping £2,400.
The coin, listed by seller ‘g_old_skool”, is available on a But It Now basis. Interested parties can also make an offer.
There is clearly interest in the Battle of Britain design coin, as it has received an average of two views an hour.
Describing the coin, the seller said: “VERY RARE collectable The Battle of Britain 1940 50p pence 2015 coin UK England.”
The coin was minted in 2015 to commemorate the Battle of Britain, and those who died and served in protecting the UK.
