Plenty of us have accumulated a number of £1 coins over the course of our collecting lives, but what you may not realize is that there are some coins out there that are worth far more than just £1. With the new 12-sided £1 coin now in circulation, there has never been a better time for you to take a look at your coin collection and see if you can sell some of the classic round £1 coins that have proven to be worth decent money.

What Makes a Coin Rare?

A coin is deemed as rare when it is removed from circulation. In fact, it is thought that as many as 650 million coins out there are now classed as rare, which means that you can find that they sell for a rather impressive amount of money. Rarity, condition, and demand are key factors in determining a coin's value.

Brilliant Uncirculated One Pound Coins to Watch For

We are experts in a wide variety of different coins, for both buying and selling. So, with this in mind, we have put together some of the £1 coins that you should be checking your coin collection for.

Lion Rampant (1994)
This Scottish coin is not going to break the bank if you decide to sell it on, but it is known to make as much as £3.15 when put up for sale.

Belfast City (2013)
A rarer coin, yet one that is much more modern, is this 2013 coin from Northern Ireland. Those who are lucky enough to find one of these in their pockets could make as much as £31.50 off of this single coin!

Cardiff City (2001)
A 2001 Welsh coin, this is the second rarest coin that you can own. The trouble with this particular coin comes with the condition. While an immaculate example can make as much as £31.50, those that are not in great condition may only make around £5.25.

London City (2010)
Much like the Welsh Cardiff City coin, this 2010 London version has a price that depends on condition. Again, seeing as much as £31.50 for perfect coins, and £5.25 for less-than-pristine ones.

Thistle and Bluebell (2014)
Taking two of the most iconic images from Scotland, this 2014 coin features both a Thistle and a Bluebell. This coin can make as much as £10.50 if you decide to sell it on.

Crowned Shield (1988)
While it may be one of the oldest coins on the list, the 1988 Crowned Shield is not one of the biggest sellers. However, it can make as much as £6.30!

Daffodil & Leek (2013)
Another Welsh coin, this 2013 £1 is a great coin to find in your collection. It can sell for as much as £15.75 if it is in excellent condition.

Rose & Oak (2013)
Another coin that relies heavily on the condition is the 2013 UK Rose and Oak version. A beautiful version can make £15.75, but for those that have been a little more weathered, £3.15 will have to do.

Millennium Bridge (2007)
Another icon from the city, this 2007 English coin can make you around £3.15 if you do decide to sell it on!

Flax and Shamrock (2014)
If you own a Flax & Shamrock Northern Irish coin, then, you may want to consider selling it on. This 2014 £1 has been seen to make as much as £35.70 when sold on, making it the ideal seller from your collection.

Flax (1986 and 1991)
Another member from the Flax family, this twice-released Northern Ireland coin could be worth as much as £17.85.

The Edinburgh City (2011)
Thought to be the rarest coin with only 935,000 in circulation, The Edinburgh City 2011 £1 coin has proven to be a popular seller, making as much as £35.70!

Conclusion

With the transition to the new 12-sided £1 coin, now is the perfect time to sift through your collection of classic round £1 coins. You might discover that some of them are worth far more than their face value. Whether you're looking to sell a few coins or simply want to know more about the hidden treasures in your collection, being aware of the rare and valuable £1 coins can make a significant difference.

Want to know more about British coins? Why not take a look at our website and discover a world of coins that are worth more than you might think? Happy collecting!