Change Finder25 Pence 'EXPERIMENTAL COIN 1981 / ROYAL MINT TRIAL' seven-sided trial piece
A 25 Pence 'EXPERIMENTAL COIN 1981 / ROYAL MINT TRIAL' seven-sided trial piece is typically worth about £300–£6800 in circulated condition, and £500–£6800 in uncirculated (mint) condition.
- Denomination
- 25p / 20p
- Year
- 1981
- Mintage
- Estimated fewer than ~50 known across alloys
- Rarity
- Extremely rare
Circulated (worn)
£300–£6800
Uncirculated / BU
£500–£6800
Is it rare?
The 25 Pence 'EXPERIMENTAL COIN 1981 / ROYAL MINT TRIAL' seven-sided trial piece is a "grail" coin — one of the rarest and most sought-after in UK circulation, so genuine examples command a strong premium.
What to look for
Equilateral-curve heptagon (same shape as 20p, easily mistaken for one). One face: crowned-shield Royal Mint logo with 'EXPERIMENTAL COIN' above and '1981' below; other face: Sovereign's Orb with 'ROYAL MINT TRIAL' and small national-flower emblems. The £1,700 example was nickel-brass (68% Cu / 16% Zn / 16% Ni). Verify provenance — a high-value forgery target.
Check YOUR 25p / 20p free → scan it now
Change Finder identifies your exact coin, grades its condition and flags value-adding errors — the first check is free, no sign-up.
Related 25p / 20p coins
1972 Silver Wedding Crown (Elizabeth II & Philip)25p–50p
1977 Silver Jubilee Crown25p–50p
1980 Queen Mother 80th Birthday Crown25p–50p
1981 Charles & Diana Wedding Crown25p–50pFAQ
- How much is the 25 Pence 'EXPERIMENTAL COIN 1981 / ROYAL MINT TRIAL' seven-sided trial piece worth?
- A 25 Pence 'EXPERIMENTAL COIN 1981 / ROYAL MINT TRIAL' seven-sided trial piece is typically worth about £300–£6800 in circulated condition, and £500–£6800 in uncirculated (mint) condition.
- Is the 25 Pence 'EXPERIMENTAL COIN 1981 / ROYAL MINT TRIAL' seven-sided trial piece rare?
- The 25 Pence 'EXPERIMENTAL COIN 1981 / ROYAL MINT TRIAL' seven-sided trial piece is a "grail" coin — one of the rarest and most sought-after in UK circulation, so genuine examples command a strong premium.
- What should I look for on a 25p / 20p like this?
- Equilateral-curve heptagon (same shape as 20p, easily mistaken for one). One face: crowned-shield Royal Mint logo with 'EXPERIMENTAL COIN' above and '1981' below; other face: Sovereign's Orb with 'ROYAL MINT TRIAL' and small national-flower emblems. The £1,700 example was nickel-brass (68% Cu / 16% Zn / 16% Ni). Verify provenance — a high-value forgery target.
- How do I check my own 25p / 20p?
- Open Change Finder and scan your coin — it identifies it, grades the condition and checks for the errors that add value, free for your first check.
Value shown is an indicative collector range from public sources; the real figure depends on condition, grade and demand. Not an offer, valuation or financial advice. Get high-value coins independently authenticated.