A rare coin expert is urging Brits to check their wallets and coin collections, as finding an old half-penny could be worth a fortune—potentially even funding an early retirement. Although the half-penny was discontinued in 1984, many of these coins are still in circulation, with some rare versions valued at hundreds of thousands of pounds.
The half-penny, also known as the ‘ha’penny,’ was first introduced in 1971 during the UK’s decimalisation but was later withdrawn due to its unpopularity. However, the coin has a long history, dating back to the reign of Edward I in the 13th century, when traders would cut pennies in half to create smaller denominations. Over the centuries, various versions of the half-penny were minted, making some extremely rare and valuable today.
According to the rare coin expert Coincollectingwizard, the value of a half-penny depends on its rarity, age, and condition. For example, an uncirculated 1860 half-penny recently sold for a significant sum at auction. Coins from the 1800s, especially those in excellent condition, can fetch well over £100,000. The expert highlighted that finding one of the earliest half-pennies, such as those from the 15th century, could be worth a life-changing amount.
The expert encouraged people to search through old coin collections or ask family members about any stored coins, as they could be sitting on a hidden treasure. With some half-pennies valued at up to £175,000, discovering one could indeed provide a financial windfall. This serves as a reminder to check those forgotten boxes in the attic or inherited collections—you never know what valuable pieces of history might be hiding inside.
