Have you ever looked closely at the £2 coins in your pocket? Some of them are worth a lot more than face value. If you’re in the UK and carry change often, now is a great time to check your coins. Why? Because three rare £2 coins currently in circulation could fetch you over £1,000 combined, especially if you’re lucky enough to spot one with a rare error.
Coin expert Coin Collecting Wizard, a popular content creator on TikTok, recently shared valuable information with his 250,000+ followers on which coins to look out for—and why they’re worth so much. Let’s break it all down in simple terms.
1. The Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland £2 Coin (2002)
The Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland £2 coin is considered the rarest £2 coin in circulation. Minted in 2002, it’s part of a series featuring four different UK nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. But the Northern Ireland version stands out because only 485,000 coins were made.
What to Look For:
- The Northern Irish flag on the reverse side
- A figure holding a banner
- The year 2002 inscribed
Value:
- Around £35 if uncirculated (used but in good shape)
- Up to £65 if in brand-new or mint condition
This coin alone could cover your weekly groceries or a few tanks of petrol!
| Coin Name | Year | Special Feature | Mintage (Approx.) | Circulated Value | Uncirculated/Mint Value | Rarity/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland | 2002 | Northern Irish flag + figure with banner | 485,000 | £35 | £65 | Rarest £2 coin in circulation |
| King James Bible | 2011 | Book of John quote + “1611–2011” rim text | 975,000 | £4 | £20 | Celebrates 400 years of the King James Bible |
| Lord Kitchener (Mule Error Version) | 2014 | Error coin (mismatched edge or obverse) | Unknown | £2–£3 (normal) | Up to £1,000 (with mule error) | Ultra rare error makes it highly valuable |
2. The King James Bible £2 Coin (2011)
Next on the list is the King James Bible £2 coin, released in 2011 to mark the 400th anniversary of the Bible’s first printing in English. It’s a beautiful coin that features text from the Book of John on the reverse side and inscriptions in the golden outer ring.
What to Look For:
- “King James Bible” text on the rim
- Dates 1611–2011
- A decorative design with religious script
Value:
- Worth £4 in circulated condition
- Around £20 if brand new
With only 975,000 coins ever minted, this coin is getting harder to find each year.
3. The Lord Kitchener £2 Coin (2014) – Look for the Mule Error
The Lord Kitchener £2 coin is the most exciting one because it could be worth up to £1,000—if it contains a mule error.
The coin itself was released in 2014 to commemorate the outbreak of World War I. It shows Lord Kitchener pointing directly at the viewer with the words “Your Country Needs You.”
What’s the Error?
The mule error is when the obverse (front) of the coin mistakenly has a different design or wrong inscription from what it should have. In this case, it may have the wrong edge inscription or a mismatched obverse portrait.
Value:
- A regular Kitchener £2 coin is worth about £2–£3
- A mule error version can sell for £1,000 or more
So, if you have one of these, don’t spend it—get it checked by a coin expert!💡 Final Thoughts
Checking your spare change could seriously pay off. These three rare UK £2 coins—especially if in excellent condition or containing an error—are highly sought after by collectors.
The Commonwealth Northern Ireland, King James Bible, and Lord Kitchener mule error coins can turn ordinary coins into a small fortune. It’s fun, educational, and could be profitable. So next time you receive change at the shop, take a second look—you might be holding a collector’s dream.
How do I know if my £2 coin is rare or valuable?
Check the design, year, and any errors on the coin. Rare £2 coins like the Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland (2002), King James Bible (2011), or Lord Kitchener (2014 with mule error) are worth more than face value. You can compare your coin to images online or ask a coin expert for help.
What is a “mule error” on the Lord Kitchener £2 coin?
A mule error happens when a coin is made with the wrong front or edge design. In the case of the Lord Kitchener £2 coin, this error can make it worth up to £1,000. Look closely at the text around the edge or mismatched features. If unsure, ask a coin collector or dealer to confirm.
Where can I sell a rare £2 coin if I find one?
You can sell valuable £2 coins on websites like eBay, through coin dealers, or in collector groups. Make sure to compare prices online first and consider getting your coin graded if it’s in excellent condition. Rare coins sell better when buyers know they’re authentic.