Have you ever tipped out your loose change onto the kitchen table and wondered if one of those shiny 20p pieces might be worth more than a quick coffee? In the UK, most coins are just everyday bits of metal, but a couple from 2007 and 2012 stand out as proper gems for collectors. We’re talking about the large head 20p from 2007 and the Olympic football design from 2012. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill coins, they’re the sort that can fetch a tidy sum if you know what to look for. With the cost of living biting hard, finding one could feel like a little win from the past.
The 2007 Large Head: A Royal Mix-Up with Real Appeal
Back in 2007, the Royal Mint was tweaking the Queen’s portrait on our coins to make her look a bit larger and more detailed. The idea was to freshen things up, but they ended up using both the old small head and the new large head designs that year. Most folks didn’t notice at the time, but now the large head 20p is the scarcer one because so many have worn down over the years. You can spot it by checking the Queen’s neck, it has a sharper point where it meets the shoulder, unlike the softer curve on the small head version. In good nick, these can sell for £2 to £10, a nice bump from the usual 20p. It’s not going to buy you a holiday, but it’s proof that even small changes can add up.
The 2012 Olympic Football Star: A Souvenir from London’s Big Moment
Fast forward to 2012, and the UK was buzzing with Olympic fever. The Royal Mint released a set of special 20p coins to celebrate the London Games, each with a different sport etched on the back. The football one, showing a player about to boot the ball, had the lowest numbers minted at just over 69 million. That’s low compared to the billions of regular 20ps floating about, so it’s become a favourite among fans and collectors. With the seven designs meant to fit together like a puzzle, the football piece completes the set nicely. Pristine examples go for £50 or more online, especially if they’re uncirculated and still gleaming like they just left the mint. It’s a reminder of that electric summer, now tucked away in piggy banks across the country.
| Coin Details | 2007 Large Head | 2012 Olympic Football |
|---|---|---|
| Mintage | Around 117 million total (large head scarcer) | 69,650,030 |
| Key Feature | Sharper neck point on Queen’s portrait | Footballer design from London Olympics |
| Value Range | £2 – £10 | £1 – £50+ |
Why These Two Top the List for Everyday Finds
What makes the 2007 and 2012 coins stand out is how they slipped into circulation without much fuss, only to gain value later. The large head one’s rarity comes from wear and tear, while the Olympic design rides on nostalgia and that limited run. They’re not as wild as the famous undated 20p from 2008, which can hit hundreds, but they’re easier to stumble upon in your wallet or down the sofa. Coin experts say condition is king, so if yours looks fresh without too many scratches, it could be worth checking on sites like eBay. Just pop it under a good light and compare to online pics, you might spot a winner.
Tips to Cash In on Your Change
Fancy turning spare coins into extra cash? Start by sorting through old jars or asking family if they’ve got any tucked away. For the 2007, hold it up and trace that neckline, sharp means valuable. The 2012 football one’s straightforward, just look for the sporty back and no date wear. Sell on auction sites or to collectors’ clubs, but get it graded if it’s minty to boost the price. Remember, these aren’t millionaire-makers like some antique gold, but in tough times, £10 from a 20p feels like magic. Who knows, your next shop till might hold a surprise.
A Glimpse of Coin History in Your Hand
These two 20p coins show how our everyday money carries stories, from royal updates to national triumphs. The 2007 large head marks a quiet shift in design, while the 2012 Olympic one captures a nation’s pride. They’re top picks for value because they’re common enough to find but rare enough to matter. So next time you’re counting coppers, give them a proper once-over. You could be holding a bit of history worth more than face value, and in the UK, that’s always worth a smile.