How your old coins could be value for money
WITH so many newspaper articles relating to inflation and exchange rates following Brexit and the US elections, plus the minting of new £1 coins, the question is bound to come up: what is a pound truly worth?
The answer to that will depend on what type of pound you have. Most £1 coins in your pocket are worth just that, £1. However, if you find yourself with a 2011 Edinburgh City £1, provided it is in “mint” condition you could be looking at £35.
A similar 2011 Cardiff City £1 coin would be worth in the region of £20. With the Royal Mint producing a 12-sided replacement to the “old” coins, these prices are likely to increase.
What if we go further back, over 100 years to 1914/15, when the Treasury produced a £1 note called Treasury notes but known as “Bradburys”, as they were signed by Sir John Bradbury, permanent secretary to the Treasury.
These were produced to replace gold and silver coins as a way of keeping gold out of circulation to pay for the national war effort.
They ceased to be legal tender in 1920, but if you have one today, it is worth considerably more than its face value.
At a recent auction in Pontypridd, a Treasury (Bradbury) £1 note sold for £150 plus buyer’s premium. There was some damage to the note, had this been in perfect condition and an earlier serial number, the price could be as high as £1,000.
Next time you read the sign “please check your change” it may have a different meaning for you.