In 1994 the British Royal Mint issued a gold proof version of its £2 commemorative coin
for the 300th anniversary of the Bank of England and when production commenced
they used the wrong obverse die!
We have one such coin coming up in our 20 November Auction Sale, Lot 431;
This is what the obverse (head side) should have looked like;
Notice that the 'Two Pounds' is missing under the head in the image of lot 431.
An unknown number of the coins were produced with the 'Two Pounds' missing.
When mistakes like this happen they are commonly referred to as 'mule' coins,
meaning that the wrong obverse or reverse has been used during production.
The term 'mule' came about as a way to describe a coin that has two sides
meant for different coins just as a mule has parents from two different species
e.g. a horse and a donkey. (see Wikipedia for more history)
The term 'mule' came about as a way to describe a coin that has two sides
meant for different coins just as a mule has parents from two different species
e.g. a horse and a donkey. (see Wikipedia for more history)
Mule coins are normally much rarer than the standard correct issue and
therefore more sought after and hence more valuable.
The exact number of errors produced is unknown, but it is estimated that a few hundred
1994 Gold Proof Two Pound Commemorative Coins were despatched to
customers before the error was noticed!
At the time of writing this article a well-known UK based coin retailer
is selling the normal 1994 gold proof £2 for £582 but they are asking
a much higher figure of £1600 for the rare mule error.
Our own in-house numismatist has placed a very conservative estimate
on lot 431 of £600 to £800 but it may sell for much more.
For more information send us an email or sign up to receive our Auction Reminder Alerts
so you get an email with links to our catalogues with images due to be online by 30 October
Lot 431 EII, gold proof double sovereign, 1994, Bank of England, mule coin with error obv.
Omitting 'TWO POUNDS', FDC, cased with certificate [Unknown number of mules issued]
Estimate £600 - £800
The online catalogue for our auction on 19th & 20th November will be
on our website from 30th October.
Call 0161 456 5050 or email to request a Complimentary Catalogue.
A F Brock Auction Sales include;
Antique, Vintage & Modern Jewellery, Silverware, Ceramics, Glass, Paintings, Clocks, Toys,
Coins, Tokens, Medals & Militaria, Banknotes, Stamps, Cigarette Cards, Early Postcards,
Memorabilia, Antiques & other Collectables
ITEMS WANTED FOR FUTURE AUCTION SALES
CONTACT US FOR A FREE VALUATION
0161 456 5050 info@afbrock.co.uk
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