Bavarian 2-Euro coin with flaw sells for nearly €25,000

A valuable flaw: Bavarian 2-Euro coin becomes an online sensation

A notable error: A 2-euro coin with a Bavarian motif has become a hot seller online. The reason is an inconspicuous flaw.

True treasures might be hidden in the wallet of every Bavarian: On online marketplaces like eBay, coins are being offered for thousands of euros – even though they look quite ordinary at first glance. Among the listings is an example featuring Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria.

The 2-euro coin showing King Ludwig’s castle on the front is listed for a hefty €24,998 on classifieds. The high asking price is not due to the fairy-tale design or the coin’s (allegedly) 24-carat gold plating, but rather because of a simple mistake.

The coin is a so-called minting error. As the term suggests, minting errors are small defects in the material or design of the coin. Due to rigorous quality control during production, such errors are rare and thus highly sought after by collectors. Coins with errors are repeatedly sold for staggering prices – even those with designs from the far north.

The seller of the Neuschwanstein coin prominently advertises in the listing that there is a gap between the ring and the core of the coin. The coin with the castle design on the front has been available since 2012, according to the specialized portal “muenzen.eu.” Without the error, its value is only about €3 – barely above its face value.

Recognizing valuable flaws in your coins

Other coins – without special motifs but with errors – are also traded for significant amounts online. How can one recognize minting errors? Defects come in various forms. For instance, there are so-called die cracks – where slight cracks appear on the coins.

In other cases, the stamped motif is misaligned. This happens when the stamp is applied at an incorrect angle. This type is considered one of the most common minting errors. There are also guides on YouTube that explain how to recognize minting errors yourself.

Important: Just because coins are listed for high prices on eBay does not automatically mean they will sell for that amount or that they are worth that much. Anyone wishing to have a coin’s value assessed should consult an expert.