How to identify the UK’s most scarce £2 coin
The 2002 Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland £2 Coin is officially the most scarce £2 coin in the UK, ranking as 100 on our Scarcity Index.
But you’d be forgiven for thinking that this coin is easy to identify.
In fact, only the most eagle-eyed collectors will be able to spot the difference between the four £2 coins that make up the 2002 Commonwealth Games £2 series.
The four coins feature the same base design, making them hard to tell apart
There’s a number of reasons they’re hard to tell apart. Firstly, there isn’t just one Commonwealth Games £2 coin but in fact four different designs – only identified by a hardly distinguishable cameo design representing each of the UK’s constituent nations, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England.
Further confusion arises when the flags are shrunk to less than 1mm in size, struck during the minting process and subjected to the usual wear and tear of a circulation coin. By this stage they all start to look very similar.
Wear and tear can make it harder to distinguish between the 4 Commonwealth £2 coins
Tougher still, the only difference between England’s ‘St George Cross’ flag and Northern Ireland’s ‘Ulster Banner’ flag is the ‘Red Hand of Ulster’, the star and the crown which feature at the centre.
The ”Red Hand of Ulster’, the star and the crown are the only difference between the two flags
On uncirculated coins it is usually possible to see the difference between the flags and determine which coin you have found.
However, to be able to identify a circulation 2002 Commonwealth Games England £2 coin with certainty, you will likely need a magnifying instrument, such as a Phonescope. The Phonescope works by clipping onto a mobile or tablet device, magnifying the camera and allowing you to take close-up photos and videos.
The Phonescope is the perfect tool for viewing the details of coins up close.
Suitable for all popular smartphones and tablets.
I have a 1986 £2 coin in good condition – any good to anyone?
what is it worth?
Hi everyone I think I have the most scarce two pound coin. I want to know how would I come about finding the value of the coin? I hope someone would be able to help me.
Got a Benjamin Britten 50p coin in swap
Well how much are the 2002 £2 circulated worth? I have Irish & English versions. Thanks Mike
Hi Mike,
It is hard to say exactly what they are worth as this depends on a number of factors including the condition of your coin. They are scare so would likely sell for over face value. I would suggest having a look on eBay at what similar coins are selling for. Thanks Luke
Thanks Luke will check Ebay
How is it possible for the commonwealth England £2 coin to jump two places on the scarcity index making it the rarest circulation? Not that I mind as that is the only commonwealth £2 I have in my collection.
Hi Michael, We use a number of factors to calculate our Scarcity Index, not just mintage figures. We take into consideration coin listings and swap availability from our web app too. That is how coins can change places. Thanks luke
I have 3 of the four, how much are they worth. 2012
Hi Kenneth,
It is hard to say exactly what they are worth as this depends on a number of factors including the condition of your coin. There are scare so would likely sell for over face value. I would suggest having a look on eBay at what similar coins are selling for. Thanks Luke