First, flip it over. Look at the edge. The standard Fire of London coin has an inscription that says “Great Fire of London, 1666”. If that text is missing or garbled, you might have gold in your hand.
Second, check the condition. A shiny, uncirculated coin is worth more. A scratched one? Less. Unless the scratches form a cool picture. Then it’s art.
Third, weigh it. A standard coin weighs exactly 12 grams. If it’s lighter or heavier, that’s a red flag. Could be a counterfeit, which is illegal—but also fascinating.
Should you hoard them?
Honestly? Yes. But don’t quit your day job. I have a jar of these coins in my kitchen. It’s not a retirement plan. It’s more like a “I might buy a nice bottle of wine” plan.
Rare and most valuable circulating coins of 2016: See if YOUR change is
The value of these coins can fluctuate. Sometimes they spike for no reason. Like when a YouTuber makes a video about them. Suddenly, everyone wants one. And prices go up.
But here’s the real secret: sentimental value. That coin you found in your grandma’s purse? It’s priceless. That coin that rolled under the sofa? It’s a story. And stories are worth more than a few quid.
