Which £1 Coins Are Worth Collecting in 2025?

Coin collecting is a fascinating hobby, and for many people in the UK it begins with something simple: finding an unusual £1 coin in their change. With the transition from Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III now underway, 2025 is an especially exciting year for collectors. Some coins are already being recognised as rare, while others could become future treasures.

So, which £1 coins are worth keeping an eye on in 2025? Here’s a guide to the ones you might want to hold onto.

The Rare 2022 £1 Coin

The Royal Mint recently confirmed that only 7.735 million £1 coins dated 2022 have been released into circulation. That makes this the rarest £1 coin currently in use, and collectors are already taking notice.

Why does this matter? In coin collecting, the lower the mintage (the number of coins produced), the higher the potential for value over time. The 2022-dated coin also represents the very last £1 to carry the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, making it doubly significant.

King Charles III £1 Coins

Coins featuring King Charles III’s portrait began entering circulation in 2023, but they are still extremely scarce. Out of nearly 25 billion coins in circulation across the UK, Charles’s coins currently make up just a fraction.

In 2025, collectors are particularly interested in the bee-design £1 coin. It symbolises the King’s environmental interests and is part of a new series of eight designs featuring British wildlife. As more designs are released, the earliest King Charles £1 coins could hold long-term value as the first of his reign.

The 2016 Round Pound Replacement

The original £1 coin — nicknamed the “round pound” — was withdrawn from circulation in 2017 and replaced by the 12-sided bimetallic coin. Some of the final editions of the round pound, particularly those issued in 2016, are of interest to collectors. If you have any tucked away, they’re worth keeping.

Error Coins

Sometimes a minting error can turn an ordinary coin into a valuable one. Misaligned stamping, missing details, or unusual colouring can all make a £1 coin more collectable. These are relatively rare but can be worth several times more than face value if spotted.

Limited Commemorative Issues

The Royal Mint occasionally releases limited-edition commemorative £1 coins, which often carry unusual designs or marks. While these are not always produced for general circulation, when they do appear in change, they can quickly become prized finds.

Quick List: £1 Coins Worth Collecting in 2025

• 2022-dated £1 coin (rarest in circulation, last of Queen Elizabeth II)

• Early King Charles III £1 coins (including bee design)

• 2016 “round pound” issues (withdrawn but still collectible)

• Error coins with misprints or unusual features

• Commemorative £1 issues released in limited numbers

How to Spot Value in Your Change

Not every coin will become valuable, but these factors can increase collectability:

• Low mintage: the fewer coins released, the better.

• Condition: Uncirculated or well-preserved coins are worth more.

• Unique designs: special editions and commemoratives are popular.

• Errors: minting mistakes often attract serious interest.

Keeping coins in protective cases or simply avoiding scratches can help preserve their condition for the future.

What to Do With Unwanted Coins

Of course, not every coin is collectable. Many people end up with jars of foreign currency, old coins, or UK coins no longer accepted in shops. Instead of letting them gather dust, you can turn them into cash.

At Cash4Coins.co.uk, we accept:

• Foreign coins and notes

• Obsolete pre-euro currencies

• Old British and Irish coins

• Current coins you simply want to cash in

We make it fast, simple, and hassle-free to exchange coins that banks won’t accept.

Summary

In 2025, collectors should be on the lookout for the rare 2022-dated £1 coin, early King Charles issues, and unusual errors that could one day be worth far more than face value. Whether you want to start a hobby, pass on something special to family, or simply enjoy the thrill of finding a rare coin in your change, now is the perfect time to pay attention to the coins in your pocket.

And if your collection ends up being more clutter than treasure, remember: at Cash4Coins.co.uk we turn unwanted coins into real money you can spend today.