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What Makes a Two Pound Coin Rare?
Since the introduction of the bi-metallic £2 coin in 1997, The Royal Mint has released numerous commemorative designs alongside the standard circulation coins. While millions of two pound coins circulate daily, certain issues stand out as genuinely rare and valuable to collectors.
Three key factors determine the rarity and collectability of a £2 coin:
- Mintage figures: The number of coins produced. Lower mintages typically mean higher rarity and value.
- Condition: Coins in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) or better condition command premium prices over circulated examples.
- Error coins: Manufacturing mistakes such as missing inscriptions or die errors can make certain £2 coins extremely valuable.
Value Chart: Top 10 Rarest UK £2 Coins
| Rank | Coin Name | Year | Mintage | Avg Value (Circ) | Avg Value (BU) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Commonwealth Games - NI | 2002 | 485,500 | £25 | £50 |
| 2 | Commonwealth Games - Wales | 2002 | 588,500 | £10 | £25 |
| 3 | WW1 Royal Navy (5th Portrait) | 2015 | 650,000 | £4 | £40 |
| 4 | Britannia (5th Portrait) | 2015 | 650,000 | £4 | £12 |
| 5 | Commonwealth Games - England | 2002 | 650,500 | £10 | £20 |
| 6 | Commonwealth Games - Scotland | 2002 | 771,750 | £8 | £14 |
| 7 | Olympic Handover (London to Rio) | 2012 | 845,000 | £5 | £25 |
| 8 | Olympic Games Centenary | 2008 | 910,000 | £4 | £12 |
| 9 | Olympic Handover (Beijing to London) | 2008 | 918,000 | £4 | £18 |
| 10 | King James Bible | 2011 | 975,000 | £4 | £14 |
Disclaimer: Values are estimated selling prices from secondary markets (like eBay or coin dealers) and are for guidance only. They can fluctuate based on the coin's exact condition, current demand, and where it is sold.
The Rarest Two Pound Coins in Circulation
Based on official mintage figures from The Royal Mint and recent market values, here are the rarest and most valuable £2 coins you might find in your change.
1. 2002 Commonwealth Games - Northern Ireland
Mintage: 485,500
- Mintage: 485,500
- Year: 2002
- Average Value (Circulated): £25
- Average Value (BU): £50
The rarest £2 coin in circulation, featuring the flag of Northern Ireland. Part of the 2002 Commonwealth Games series of four coins.
The Northern Ireland version is the most valuable among all circulating £2 coins due to its significantly lower mintage compared to the other nations in the set.
2. 2002 Commonwealth Games - Wales
Mintage: 588,500
- Mintage: 588,500
- Year: 2002
- Average Value (Circulated): £10
- Average Value (BU): £25
Features the Welsh flag and is part of the sought-after Commonwealth Games quartet from 2002. It is the second rarest of the four designs.
3. 2015 Britannia (5th Portrait)
Mintage: 650,000
- Mintage: 650,000
- Year: 2015
- Average Value (Circulated): £4
- Average Value (BU): £12
Features a contemporary interpretation of Britannia by Antony Dufort. This specific version features the "Fifth Portrait" of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark. It was released late in the year, resulting in a low circulation mintage.
4. 2015 First World War - Royal Navy
Mintage: 650,000
- Mintage: 650,000
- Year: 2015
- Average Value (Circulated): £4
- Average Value (BU): £20
Part of the WWI Centenary series, commemorating the Royal Navy with a powerful warship design. Like the Britannia of the same year, the 5th portrait version saw a very limited release into circulation.
5. 2002 Commonwealth Games - England
Mintage: 650,500Image
- Mintage: 650,500
- Year: 2002
- Average Value (Circulated): £10
- Average Value (BU): £20
Depicts the flag of England with a running figure design. It tells the story of the games held in Manchester.
6. 2002 Commonwealth Games - Scotland
Mintage: 771,750Image
- Mintage: 771,750
- Year: 2002
- Average Value (Circulated): £12 - £18
- Average Value (BU): £30 - £45
The most "common" of the rare Commonwealth Games series, but with a mintage of under 800,000, it is still incredibly hard to find and highly collectible.
7. 2012 Olympic Handover (London to Rio)
Mintage: 845,000Image
- Mintage: 845,000
- Year: 2012
- Average Value (Circulated): £10 - £15
- Average Value (BU): £25 - £40
Commemorating the handover of the Olympic flag from London to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 games. This coin is often overlooked but has a very low mintage.
8. 2008 Olympic Games Centenary
Mintage: 910,000Image
- Mintage: 910,000
- Year: 2008
- Average Value (Circulated): £8 - £12
- Average Value (BU): £20 - £30
Marking the 100th year anniversary of the 1908 London Olympic Games. The design shows a running track and the date 1908.
9. 2008 Olympic Handover (Beijing to London)
Mintage: 918,000Image
- Mintage: 918,000
- Year: 2008
- Average Value (Circulated): £8 - £12
- Average Value (BU): £20 - £30
The first of the Olympic Handover coins, marking the transition from Beijing 2008 to London 2012. It features the Olympic flag and the London 2012 logo.
10. 2011 King James Bible
Mintage: 975,000Image
- Mintage: 975,000
- Year: 2011
- Average Value (Circulated): £6 - £10
- Average Value (BU): £15 - £25
Celebrating the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. The design displays the first words from the book of John, "In the beginning was the Word".
🔍 Key Rarity In-Depth
Low Mintage: Any £2 coin with a circulating mintage figure under 1 million is highly sought after and considered rare.
The Commonwealth Games Set (2002): The four coins from the 2002 Manchester Games are the rarest. The Northern Ireland version is the most valuable among all circulating £2 coins.
Error Coins (Mules): Coins with minting errors command the highest prices. Check for the 2014 Lord Kitchener (WW1) coin found without the "Two Pounds" denomination (a *mule* error), which can sell for £500 to over £1,000.