If you’ve got a stash of old coins gathering dust in your attic, it might be worth giving them a second look. Experts have highlighted a specific £2 coin that could fetch a handsome sum.
The coin is themed around the gorillas at Jersey Zoo, which have been there since the exhibit’s opening year. It features a close-up image of a gorilla and a message marking the wildlife park’s 60th anniversary.
As of 2024, a ‘standard’ version of this coin was listed on eBay for a hefty £119.99. This isn’t unusual for these £2 coins, as they typically sell for around £100, according to the specialists.
However, if you manage to find an ‘error’ 2019 version of this coin, its value could skyrocket to £300. “Some numpty dumpty managed to put a dye for the obverse of the ‘Red Arrows’ £2 (from the same year) in the machine by mistake, resulting in quite a few hybrid coins,” the Great British Coin Hunt claims.
“As with all blunders in Coinworld, the ‘Jersey Zoo Gorilla’ with no denomination and the date only is a highly sought-after item. It also sells for between £200 and £300.”
The Mirror reports that gorillas became a significant part of Jersey Zoo’s history when a five-year-old fell into the silverback enclosure nearly 40 years ago. Although this immediately sparked concern, one gorilla named Jambo left onlookers utterly shocked when he appeared to ‘protect’ the unconscious child from further harm.
Not only did the heroic gorilla keep his troop at bay, he also stayed with the young boy until rescuers came. Thanks to his actions, Jambo was dubbed the ‘Gentle Giant’, winning hearts worldwide.
In an exclusive conversation with The Mirror, Chris Yang, Co-founder of Coins Value, emphasised: “I have seen numerous such coins in my career. In 2010, it was sold by one client to whom we sold it for £50, and we recently valued it at £300, a rise of 500% in over ten years, which displays how valuable the coin had been regarding desirability for collectors’ purposes.
“The Jersey Zoo Gorilla coin is easy to identify. The obverse carries the Queen Elizabeth II portrait, while the reverse carries the image of the gorilla, where the details are given with richness. The coin is made from cupronickel, weighs 28.28 grams, and has a diameter of 38.61mm. These features help differentiate it from any counterfeit.
“The price depends on the condition. Uncirculated coins are sold at £400 and above. In contrast, circulated ones sell for anywhere between £150 to £300, depending on the level of toning, the amount of mint lustre, and how well the finer details have been preserved.”
If you’ve missed out on nabbing a gorilla coin, fear not—there’s an abundance of other coins potentially hidden in your attic that could be worth a tidy sum. Recently, a rare 1933 coin coin made headlines for fetching a whopping £140,000, given its extreme rarity with only seven known examples worldwide.
Chris Yang, Co-founder of Coins Value, previously told The Star: “In sum, scrutinise your coins, have them identified and graded professionally, and work with experienced numismatists to determine the real value of your coins so that you can sell them for the best price.
“Remember, the thrill of coin collecting isn’t always about striking gold; it’s about connecting with history and uncovering hidden treasures. Your old coin jar might hold more than just spare change – it could be a portal to a fascinating past.”