Rare 25p coin sells for 6,800 times its face value

The rare 25p coin went under the hammer in Royal Wootton Bassett

An ultra-rare 25p coin has sold for 6,800 times its face value.

The collector’s item – handed out in change to a local man – is the same shape as an ordinary 20p piece.

There are thought to be about 50 in circulation, with even fewer made from nickel brass like the one sold by RWB Auctions in Royal Wootton Bassett on Wednesday.

Experts had estimated the coin to sell for between £500 and £700, but a bidder offered £1,700 for the item.

The coin is thought to have been made by Royal Mint craftsmen before the 20p denomination was released into circulation in 1982.

At the time, authorities had not decided whether the coin would be worth 20p or 25p.

The 25p coin is made from nickel brass and is dated 1981

Known as ‘trial pieces’ or a ‘pattern coins’, such rarities are typically sought by serious collectors.

YouTuber Christopher Collects, who works for RWB Auctions, called the piece “fascinating”.

He said: “20p coins are a fixture in our change now, but the Royal Mint seems to have experimented with various ideas before they settled on the seven-sided coin we all recognise.

“Trial pieces would have been used to demonstrate the concept of a new coin to officials and may have been sent out to businesses that handle lots of cash to try out."

The 25p coin is part of a specialist sale of historic and modern currency organised by RWB Auctions.

The auction house, which opened in the town’s High Street in January, previously sold a scarce Lord Kitchener £2 for £1,000 and an unusual Olympics 50p for £1,500.