A 1988 "silver" 2 Pence will be auctioned by Charterhouse collector’s auction in Sherborne on August 1, 2014. The coin is actually a cupro-nickel 2p, most probably the coin blank was left inside a barrel during the minting process and stamped along with all the normal copper 2ps.
“I have had an interest in coins for over 40 years, but this 2p takes the biscuit as I have never heard of one before the owner brought it into our salerooms for advice. I must admit to being somewhat sceptical at first, thinking it was silver plated which often happens, but it is the real deal!” Commented Richard Bromell.
“It’s a difficult lot to value, and although he was offered £2,000 for it in 1988, we have put a more modest estimate on it of £100-200 at the auction.”
In 1988, the owner was running a petrol station in Poole when he opened a new packet of 2p’s and noticed one was shinny and silver in appearance rather than copper. He took it out and after some research established it is a cupro-nickel 2p, which is the same as the 5, 10 & 20p’s. It is thought a cupro-nickel blank was left inside a barrel during the minting process and stamped along with all the normal copper 2p’s.
Viewing for this auction of collector’s items and antiques at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne is on Wednesday 30th & Thursday 21st July. You can view and download the catalogue from www.charterhouse-auction.com.
