Households across the United Kingdom are being alerted to check their spare change, as a specific rare £2 coin could be worth hundreds of pounds to eager collectors.
The Hunt for the Tosha the Cat £2 Coin
The coin in question is a £2 piece from 2011 that features an image of Tosha the Cat, the fourth official mascot for the Commonwealth Youth Games. It was originally issued by the Pobjoy Mint on behalf of the Isle of Man Treasury. While its exact mintage figures remain unknown, experts from Change Checker confirm that coins from the British Isles typically have lower production numbers than UK coins, adding to their potential scarcity and value.
How Social Media Skyrocketed Its Value
Despite being released in 2011, the coin's value on the secondary market began to surge dramatically in 2018. This spike was triggered when it gained attention and was shared across dedicated Facebook coin groups. The popularity was so significant that the Tosha Cat £2 was crowned 'Coin of the Year' within these online communities.
This social media hype sparked intense bidding wars on platforms like eBay. At the peak of its popularity, while the famous Kew Gardens 50p coin was selling for around £80, the Tosha £2 was regularly fetching double that amount.
Expert Valuation and Collector Demand
Coin specialists have highlighted the piece as being highly sought-after. A social media creator known as UK Coin Hunt has even described it as the "holy grail" for some collectors. Based on current market interest and sales, experts now believe this distinctive coin could be worth between £250 and £300.
Change Checker told the Express: "One thing we do know for certain is that the Isle of Man Tosha Cat £2 is definitely sought-after amongst collectors." The combination of its unique design, uncertain mintage, and proven demand makes it a prime candidate for anyone looking through their coin jars.
