A distinctive 20 pence piece has fetched over 200 times its nominal value because it lacks a crucial element – and you might have one in your pocket right now.

The 2008-vintage coin changed hands for £42.30 on the online marketplace this month.

The piece displays Queen Elizabeth II on one side and the Royal Shield of Arms on the other, but was struck with an unusual mistake.

Officials at The Royal Mint have confirmed that a manufacturing fault that year caused numerous mule coins lacking a date to slip into general circulation.

The mistake occurred when an old design was incorrectly matched with a new one.

The precise quantity of these mis-struck coins remains unclear, though officials indicate fewer than 250,000 were produced among the 136 million minted during 2008 and 2009 – meaning they are uncommon but still potentially discoverable.

A representative from The Royal Mint explained that in November 2008 several 20 pence coins were struck incorrectly, leaving them without a date.

This issue impacted fewer than 250,000 of the 136 million 20 pence pieces produced in 2008-09 and resulted from the previous obverse side being paired with the new reverse side, meaning the year of production was entirely absent.

These coins continue to be accepted as money and retain their 20 pence nominal value.

The listing described the coin as highly unusual, with the mistake causing its worth to climb dramatically.

One eager buyer paid £42.30 plus £2.70 for delivery to secure the piece on Wednesday March 11.

This means the coin sold for more than 211 times its spending value, and will undoubtedly prompt Britons to examine their loose change for the same flaw.

First released in 1982, the 20 pence is among the newest denominations in UK circulation.

Since then, numerous versions of the coin have appeared.

In 1998, the design was refreshed to include Maklouf’s likeness of Queen Elizabeth II, while the reverse showcases a crowned Tudor double rose in a motif created by William Gardner.

In 2022, Ian Rank-Broadley’s depiction of the Queen was swapped for Jody Clark’s version.

Gardner’s reverse motif remained on the 20 pence until 2008 when it was substituted by the definitive shield design now seen on UK coins up to 50 pence.

When assembled and properly positioned, the 50 pence, 20 pence, 10 pence, 5 pence, 2 pence and 1 pence pieces together form the complete Royal Arms.