If you ever find yourself with loose change, it might be worth double-checking your coins. One coin in particular, the 1933 George V penny, could turn out to be worth far more than you'd expect. Originally thought to be worth just one penny, this rare coin was auctioned for an incredible £72,000 in 2016. Its value has only continued to climb, with it fetching £40,000 in 2004 and £45,000 in 2006.

According to The Royal Mint, no official record was kept of how many 1933 pennies were minted, but it's believed that no more than six or seven were ever made. With no precise records and the coin struck for ordinary circulation, it was once thought that one might turn up in everyday use, prompting many to search through their change for the elusive penny.

During the 1930s, banks were flooded with pennies, so there was no need to produce more, and many 1933 King George V coins, along with others, were often placed under building foundation stones, in accordance with an old custom.

Chris Yang, co-founder of Coins Value, explained: 'This is one of the rarest British coins because only a few were ever produced as part of a special minting for record-keeping.' The rarity and historical significance of this coin make it highly sought after by collectors, with high-end auction houses like Sotheby's or Bonhams being the best places to sell such a rare coin.

If you haven’t found a 1933 penny, don’t worry – your coin collection could still bring in a tidy sum. A misprinted 1983 2p coin, featuring 'New Pence' instead of 'Two Pence', can be worth between £500 and £700. Additionally, certain £2 Olympic coins have sold for as much as £1,558 and £1,478.

However, it’s important to note that the condition of the coin plays a major role in its value. As Chris Yang also mentioned: 'Coins in perfect 'mint' condition are worth far more than their worn or damaged counterparts.' A minor difference in condition can significantly affect a coin's value, sometimes translating to hundreds or even thousands of pounds.