If you spot this rare 50p in your change it could be worth £1,000

How often do you inspect your change? Very rarely is probably the answer, even more so with the rise of contactless payments meaning there's less cash around most homes. You may sometimes notice an unusual image or message on a coin commemorating some event or another and perhaps think nothing more of it.

But these coins can be incredibly valuable, particularly if they are rare and there aren't many of them around. Coin collectors will pay large sums to get their hands on these pieces of history.

This is particularly the case with commemorative coins marking a special event or anniversary. One of these is currently being advertised on eBay for prices of up to £1,000.

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It's a special 50p coin with a message on it which was released to mark Brexit. The message on the back of the coin says: "Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations." It has the date 31 January 2020 underneath, marking the date the UK officially left the European Union.

A significant event in Britain's recent past, collectors will want to ensure they have a coin that marks it. There are a few of these 50p coins currently for sale on eBay. The £1,000 price tag means the coin is being valued at 2,000 times its face value.

Experts say it's always worth having a rummage through your change for coins that are out of the ordinary. Any special design could potentially make them collectable, and the rarer the better.

Chris Yang, co-founder of Coins Value, said recently: "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."