Check for rare UK £2 error coin with surprising animal picture 'worth hundreds'

If you've got a collection of old coins gathering dust in your loft, it might be worth giving them a once-over. Specialists have shone a light on one particular £2 that may fetch an impressive sum.

The coin is actually themed around Jersey Zoo’s gorilla inhabitants, which have been there since the facility's opening year. Its gold surface is marked by a close-up image of an ape and a message celebrating the wildlife park's 60th anniversary.

Right now, a 'normal' version of this coin is listed on for an impressive £119.99. This isn't unusual for the £2, as they typically sell for around £100, according to the experts.

However, if you get your hands on an 'error' 2019 version of this currency, you may increase its selling value 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.

"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."

Gorillas became an integral part of Jersey Zoo's history when a five-year-old fell into the silverback enclosure almost 40 years ago. While this immediately sparked concern, one gorilla named Jambo completely surprised onlookers when he appeared to 'protect' the unconscious child from harm's way.

Not only did he keep other gorillas away from the boy, but stayed by his side until the medics arrived. This incident saw Jambo nicknamed the 'Gentle Giant', capturing the attention of animal fans all over the .

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Chris Yang, Co-founder of, also told The in an exclusive interview: "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 don't happen to have a gorilla coin, don't worry. There are plenty more coins worth searching your attic for. For instance, just recently, as just seven were known to exist in the world.

Chris Yang, Co-founder of , previously told : "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."