Rare 2p coin which reads 'new pence' instead of 'two pence' sells for £700 at auction

An error from the UK's Royal Mint means that the 2p coin reads 'new pence' instead of 'two pence'. Collectors say this subtle error was likely produced when an old die was used to strike the coin

A rare 2p coin which sold for £700 at auction has sparked fresh interest in the sets of coins which were given away as part of a Martini promotion in 1983.

The 2p coin, which sold at RWB Auctions just outside of Swindon, attracted the attention of collectors from across the world due to its unusual wording.

An error from the UK's Royal Mint meant that the coin reads 'new pence' instead of 'two pence'.

The error was likely produced when an old die was used to strike the coin, and very few of these coins are thought to exist.

It sold for £700 at RWB Auctions on September 25 - 35,000 times its original market value.

Children born in the 80s are being urged to check their coins (Image: RWB Auctions) The handful of these coins can be found in sets which were produced in collaboration between The Royal Mint and Italian drinks company Martini & Rossi.

The sets were part of a promotional giveaway and were labelled 'The Great British 1983 Coin Collection' on the cover.

Thousands of the sets were released, but only a small number are thought to feature the rare 2p coin.

“It is worth checking old coin collections for this set, particularly if you were born in 1983," said Jon White, of RWB Auctions.

"Someone may have bought you one as a baby or as a Christening present. If they happened to get hold of a rare one, then you have a very valuable gift on your hands.”

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