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Is my child eligible for free school meals?

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Want to Apply for free school meals?

Free School meals are provided to students during the school day to make sure all children can access healthy food to sustain them in their education. For many parents, the rising cost of living is making it extremely difficult to provide everything needed and that’s why free school meals are there.  

The National Institute of health reports the correlation between healthy eating and academic success, attendance, and behaviour. This is why if you need help then make sure to check if you are eligible. 
Free breakfast clubs are on the horizon too as Labour pledge to start implementing this initiative from 2025. Families will be able to save up to £2000 when they can enroll their children in free breakfast clubs at school. You can read more about the Free Breakfast clubs initiative here.  

 

Who is eligible for Free School Meals? 

Free School Meals are available to children in full-time education in primary or secondary school in the UK. A child can obtain these meals if their family is receiving certain benefits, meets an income threshold or they are receiving asylum support. 

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Your child is protected from losing their free school meals and will have access to the service until the end of their education period in Primary or Secondary school. 

Income threshold – Families who receive no public funding, which means no benefits and can work but have a lower income could be eligible for free school meals for their children. 

£22,700 for families outside of London with 1 child 

£26,300 for families outside of London with 2 or more children 

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£31,200 for families within London with 1 child 

£34,800 for families within London with 2 or more children 

Additionally, the family cannot have more than £16,000 in savings or investments. 

Benefits eligibility – If you are receiving certain benefits your child could be eligible for free school meals; 

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  • Universal Credit, if you have an annual net earned income of less that £7,400. This will be assessed from up to 3 of your recent assessment periods. 
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance  
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance  
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999  
  • The guaranteed element of Pension Credit  
  • Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)  
  • Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit 

Asylum support 

If you are receiving Home Office asylum support, your children may be eligible for free school meals. This benefit makes sure that children in families seeking asylum have access to nutritious meals during the school day. To confirm eligibility, you should check with your local authorities, this includes the council or local education department, or directly contact your child’s school. They will be able to provide information on the application process and guide you through any documentation required. Having access to free school meals can be crucial for asylum-seeking families in reducing financial strain while ensuring children are well-nourished for learning.

 

How do I apply? 

You can apply online through your local council’s website; you will have to wait until your child has a confirmed space in a school in that area. If you tell the local council that you qualify for free school meals, then your child’s school will be given extra funding to ensure this service can be carried out. You can include multiple children in one application and you won’t have to inform the school yourself, the council should notify them.

Necessary documentation –

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You will first need to create an account, if you don’t already have one on your council’s website. You will then be asked to fill out a form to apply for free school meals. They will ask for personal information such as, your address, the address of the school your child is enrolled in, bank statements as well as proof of benefits. This will be necessary so that the authorities can check you meet the criteria before they can accept.

During the application process you will be required to provide your national insurance number as one of the necessary documentation. This is used to verify your eligibility, making sure that the application meets the criteria set. Make sure to have this document ready when completing the application to avoid delays.

 

3 Benefits of Free School Meals 

freeschoolmeals

The Nutritional impact –

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There are so many advantages for children having healthy meals and this includes their academic success and focus. The World Health Organisation revealed that eating healthy from an early age can help to prevent complications later on. Eating the right food also have an impact on brain function which means your child can get more out of their education. 

Financial Relief for Families –

The cost of living has impacted how parents can provide for their children with many families deciding between food, water and electricity each week. By having free school meals parents can know their child is getting a healthy meal every day and they don’t have to budget this into each day. 

Social Inclusion 

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Free school meals helps to promote inclusion within the school environment by allowing all students have access to the same food options. This can help those students to sit with their peers at meal times and reduce the stigma often associated with poverty. This sense of equality and belonging can improve children’s self-esteem and contribute positively to their emotional well-being, enhancing their overall school experience. 

 

Common Questions 

Do I have to reapply every year? 

No, you will not have to reapply each year, your child should receive free school meals until the end of their education period, when they leave the school. You may have to inform the school and council if your situation changes. 

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Will the School be notified? 

Yes, once you have submitted your application and it has been accepted by the council, they will notify the school. 

Do all schools offer free meals? 

All state funded schools will offer free school meals for those who qualify. From 2025 certain schools will start implementing free breakfast clubs too. 

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Free School Meals During School Closures or Summer 

Food Vouchers – 

If your child is eligible for free school meals, then your school will often hand out food vouchers. This depends on whether your council is funding this service, so check on the website or ask the school. This scheme began during COVID but some regions are still offering this. 

HAF – 

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The holidays and food program are funded by the government so those who are eligible to get free school meals during term time can also receive support during school holidays. This access includes free meals, enriching activities, and nutritional education during the summer and other school holidays. 

 

 

Take action! 

Take action today by checking your eligibility as your child could get nutritious meals at school for free. Even if you are unsure whether you qualify it can be worth checking as it could provide significant financial savings for your family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to essential fuel children need each day.  

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Contact your local authority or your child’s school to explore the options available to you. 

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Urgent recall warning as Sainsbury’s shoppers urged ‘do not eat’ two products over allergy risk

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Sainsbury's has issued an urgent recall for two products

SAINSBURY’S have issued an urgent recall urging shoppers to “not eat” two products over allergy risks.

The Yorkshire Provender Jacket and Toast Topper Mexican Inspired Lentil Chilli and the Yorkshire Provender Jacket and Toast Topper Haricot Beans in a Spicy Tomato Sauce have been recalled due to health concerns.

Sainsbury's has issued an urgent recall for two products

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Sainsbury’s has issued an urgent recall for two productsCredit: Getty

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‘We need these!’ cry Home Bargains shoppers over £4 Polar Express slippers ready for Christmas

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'We need these!' cry Home Bargains shoppers over £4 Polar Express slippers ready for Christmas

SHOPPERS are racing to their nearest Home Bargains to buy £4 Polar Express slippers in time for Christmas.

A savvy bargain hunter shared the discovery on Facebook to alert others of the deal.

Shoppers were alerted to the £4 slippers via a Facebook post

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Shoppers were alerted to the £4 slippers via a Facebook postCredit: Facebook

It was uploaded to the Christmas Finds UK group.

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The post read: “The Polar Express Slippers From £4 At Home Bargains.”

Group members were quick to weigh in with their opinions on the bargain find.

One wrote: “Get yourself to home bargains.”

Another said: “Got these and the pjs.”

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Others tagged their pals and said that they “need these slippers”.

Do bear in mind that when prices are reduced it’s usually in order for stores to clear excess stock, so availability will vary from store to store.

It’s always best to phone ahead to your local shop to check what they have available to avoid disappointment.

You can find your nearest Home Bargains store using the locator tool on the website.

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Shoppers fear for their bank accounts as they run to Primark to bag new Christmas drops & prices start from less than £2

It always pays to compare prices so you know you’re getting the best deal.

Prices can also vary day to day and by what deals are on at the time, plus remember you might pay for delivery if you’re ordering online.

You can compare prices on platforms like Google Shopping.

How to save money at Home Bargains

Knowing when to pick up products is one way to save money at Home Bargains.

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Visiting your local branch at the right time of day, week and year can help you pick up bargains from as little as 69p.

We spoke to Tom Church, a shopping expert who reveals the best times to visit the store to bag a bargain.

Also join any shopper bargain Facebook groups such as Extreme Couponing and Bargains, as people love to share the news when they have bagged a cheap deal.

Be sure to look out for seasonal stock too, like most retailers, Home Bargains slashes its prices after big public holidays such as Christmas and Easter.

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How to bag a bargain

SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain…

Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.

Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.

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Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.

Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.

Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.

When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.

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Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.

Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.

And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

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Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

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Poundland shoppers rush to buy ‘amazing’ dupe of iconic designer perfume for just £4 instead of £48

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Poundland shoppers rush to buy ‘amazing’ dupe of iconic designer perfume for just £4 instead of £48

POUNDLAND shoppers are rushing to buy an “amazing” dupe of an iconic designer perfume for just £4.

The bargain store is selling a cheaper version of Moschino’s Toy 2 Bubblegum fragrance for a whopping £44 less.

Poundland shoppers are rushing to buy a dupe of an iconic designer perfume for just £4

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Poundland shoppers are rushing to buy a dupe of an iconic designer perfume for just £4Credit: Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK/ Facebook

Poundland‘s Teddy perfume in pink plush costs just £4 for 50ml, while the Moschino bottle can cost as much as a whopping £48 for the same size.

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Savvy shoppers shared the fragrance to the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group.

They wrote: “Moschino dupe in Poundland. Not sure if it smells the same tho.”

The bargain hunter shared a photo of the perfume dupe, sporting very similar packaging as the designer scent.

The post was met with hundreds of comments from fellow shoppers itching to get their hands on the fragrance.

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One wrote: “It’s really nice I have it!”

Another declared: “This is my favourite perfume have to investigate.”

A third commented: “It smells lovely I have it , I’m gonna go get more.”

A fourth said: “Just brought it and smells amazing.”

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While a fifth tagged their pal and wrote: “These would be cute for girls Xmas.”

Five ways to save money at Poundland

“I wouldn’t care what it smelled like I just love the bottle,” another said.

A bottle of Moschino can cost from £48 for 50ml on sites like Look Fantastic.

It means that for those looking for a cheaper alternative, this dupe costing just £4 is a huge saving.

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Of course, keep in mind that the scents may not last as long or aren’t as strong, so bear this in mind before you opt for a dupe.

It’s worth bearing in mind, the scents also might not match exactly.

Shoppers can find Poundland’s perfume in store only, as it’s not available online.

To find your nearest store head over to the B&M website.

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Each store will have its own stock of the scents and these kinds of items tend to sell-out pretty quickly.

It’s always worth phoning ahead to your local store to check how many they have available.

It’s always worth having a sniff first to make sure you like the smell before purchasing.

As always, make sure to have a shop around before you commit to a purchase to make sure you’re always getting the best deal.

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Are dupes worth it?

THE Sun asked an independent perfume expert to carry out blind smell tests of popular perfumes and their high street “dupes” to see if the budget versions lived up to the originals.

Noemie Maury is a senior fragrance evaluator who has worked with major fine fragrance and toiletries brands for over a decade.

High street chains can create perfumes cheaply by buying them from big fragrance manufacturers which grow their own ingredients in-house,” says Noemie.

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“Because they use oils from flowers they grow themselves instead of importing ingredients, they save on costs and can create fragrances for high street brands at a discount price.”

It means they can lack the depth and complexity of more expensive brands which use a wide variety of more expensive ingredients.

Other perfume dupes

Bargain hunters have spotted two new mists at Poundland – and claim they smell just like Marc Jacobs.

The dupes from the brand Scentlis are called Pure Elegance and Bloom Body – both selling for just £1 for a 100ml bottle on Poundland’s website.

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One such shopper who bought the fragrances wrote on Facebook: “Got these today from Poundland and I cannot tell you enough how hey smell like Marc Jacobs.”

Meanwhile, a young woman said she wanted new perfume, but couldn’t justify the price, so tried out the dupes from Home Bargains instead

Beauty fan Emily Megan Mays explained that she nabbed two of the perfume dupes from the high-street chain, for just £1.99 each, and was left stunned at how nice they smelt. 

Thrilled with her cheap finds from Home Bargains, Emily took to social media, proudly showing off her bargain buys. 

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Posting online, Emily shared her clip with the caption “The BEST perfume dupes! Run, don’t walk to Home Bargains”.

The “Scentalis Luna Sparkle Eau De Parfum”, an aromatic blend of fruity and floral scents, has been combined to create a dupe of the infamous £55 “Daisy” by Marc Jacobs.

Poundland describes the scent as: “An excellent choice for anyone in search of a special present or personal indulgence.

“Fragrant blend featuring fruity notes of pomegranate and yuzu, delicate floral scents such as peony, magnolia, and lotus, and musky undertones.”

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Shoppers are rushing to buy dupes of popular Sol de Janeiro scents that they say smell “gorgeous”.

They’re on sale for a whopping £22 less than the big brand sprays.

How to bag a bargain

SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain…

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Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.

Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.

Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.

Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.

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Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.

When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.

Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.

Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.

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And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

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I live in a 20ft micro narrow boat… we’re terrified we’ll tip over in storms but hidden compartment keeps us safe

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I live in a 20ft micro narrow boat... we're terrified we'll tip over in storms but hidden compartment keeps us safe

A WOMAN who lives on a 20ft micro narrowboat said she’s terrified it might tip over, but revealed a hidden compartment that keeps her safe.

Kat, known as Gentil Lentil’s Green Life on YouTube, shared an insight with her viewers about what it’s like to live on a small boat.

Kat, known as Gentil Lentil's Green Life on YouTube, revealed what its like to live on a narrowboat

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Kat, known as Gentil Lentil’s Green Life on YouTube, revealed what its like to live on a narrowboatCredit: YouTube/GentleLentil
The water pump helps remove water from the hull

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The water pump helps remove water from the hullCredit: YouTube/GentleLentil
Kat uses weights and an anchor to prevent it from tipping

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Kat uses weights and an anchor to prevent it from tippingCredit: YouTube/GentleLentil
She converts her living room into a bedroom

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She converts her living room into a bedroomCredit: YouTube/GentleLentil

The content creator explained that she fears storms could tip over her 20ft micro narrowboat.

Fortunately, in the video, she revealed two compartments designed to help prevent it from tipping.

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One of the compartments, located beneath her bed, contains a water pump that removes excess water from the bottom of the hull.

These are found on most boats and are an essential piece of equipment.

The other compartment holds weights, an anchor and extension leads which help keep the boat stable.

However, the YouTuber demonstrated how she can easily convert her living room into a bedroom, creating more space in the boat.

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In the video, viewers can see her using two wooden slats placed between the two sofas on either side of the boat.

Once fitted, she adds three large cushions that serve as a mattress, followed by blankets and duvets to complete the bed conversion.

The content creator’s video has received hundreds of comments from viewers praising her transformation skills.

One user wrote: “That looks insanely cosy.”

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I save £500 on bills a month after ditching my tiny home to live off-grid in a narrowboat – I love it

“I wish I had thought about arranging the bed differently when I love in a two-berth caravan that is very much like your home,” commented another.

While a third said: “I love your narrow boat. I could happily live there.”

It comes after an artist shared what it’s like to live off-grid in a canal boat where she can save £600 a month.

Shannon Lane, 29, ditched her room in Clapham for a 30ft narrowboat which she cruises in with her pug, Gilbert.

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She decided to move on the water after learning her landlord was raising the price of her rent to £1,000 a month.

The freelance artist and video producer took out a loan to buy a £24,000 narrowboat and now spends just £300 a month paying it off.

Ever since Shanon moved, her mental health has improved and she no longer suffers from “bad anxiety and depression”.

Nonetheless, the transition from bricks to a floating home takes adjusting to.

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The Narrowboat community is a “tight-knit” community where everyone gets to know their neighbours.

Shanon regularly has neighbours introduce themselves whenever she “moors up” to a different spot.

However, she is always on the move because she doesn’t pay a mooring fee.

She told MailOnline: “It’s important to keep the canal system moving because it makes space for other boaters to enjoy different parts of the canal.”

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Constantly being on the move could deter people when considering a life on water but it offers a chance to explore areas of London that would have previously been unaffordable.

Shannon can cruise up to Regents Park or Little Venice and pays a fraction of those living in houses there.

A major downside to living on water is the unglamorous job of emptying the toilet.

The video producer claimed the worst thing to do is leave it too late as the smell can be unpleasant.

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She has a cassette toilet on her boat and has to wheel the sliding cartridge to a communal disposal area.

“You can imagine the smell,” Shanon added.

Kat uses two wooden slats to help make her bed

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Kat uses two wooden slats to help make her bedCredit: YouTube/GentleLentil
She transforms it from two separate sofas into one double bed

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She transforms it from two separate sofas into one double bedCredit: YouTube/GentleLentil
Kat's converted bedroom

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Kat’s converted bedroomCredit: YouTube/GentleLentil

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Exact date to spot on ultra-rare 1p worth up to £200,000 at auction

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Exact date to spot on ultra-rare 1p worth up to £200,000 at auction

A RARE 1p has sold for a whopping £200,000 at auction due to its specific date.

A coin specialist has urged the public to look out for the 72-year-old penny as it could be worth 20million times its face value.

A rare 1p has sold for a whopping £200,000 at auction due to its specific date

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A rare 1p has sold for a whopping £200,000 at auction due to its specific dateCredit: tiktok@coincollectingwizard/
A coin specialist has urged the public to look out for the 72-year-old penny

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A coin specialist has urged the public to look out for the 72-year-old pennyCredit: tiktok@coincollectingwizard/

The change fanatic known as CoinCollectingWizard on TikTok recently published a video on the 1952 proof 1p, marked by an image of George VI.

This particular coin is the “rarest proof penny” of its entire series of copper and bronze pennies, and has left collectors absolutely astounded.

The TikTokker began the video by saying: “Jiminy Cricket – £200,000 for this old penny.

“The existence of this unique 1952 proof penny was not known publicly until its initial appearance at Numismatic Auctions in October of 1997, some 45 years after it was struck.

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“The British Numismatic world was astonished to see this coin appear and in proof quality as this was not known to exist.”

He also said that the coin remains an enigma as it is the “only unique proof striking” of a pre-decimal penny of the 20th century.

The expert goes on to say that the 1p is said to be so unique because it bears the face of King George VI – who died in early 1952.

London-based dealer Sovereign Rarities echoes this and states on its website: “It is perhaps understandable that the George VI 1952 Proof Penny remains a unique piece, as the King died very early in 1952 passing away on February 6.

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“Only the smaller denominations of currency coins that were in great demand were struck for circulation in 1952, with the larger denominations omitted in anticipation of a new reign and a new coinage for Queen Elizabeth II.”

Rare 2p coin that could be worth £1,000

According to BullionByPost, proof pennies are the highest quality coin a mint produces.

Issuers like the Royal Mint generally create just a small number of these per year due to the lengthy process required to make them.

Hand-finished dyes and etching by an expert are a huge part of their creation, meaning it takes around an hour to strike 50 proof coins.

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The CoinCollectingWizard added: “A lovely example went up for auction recently and sold for £200,000, so it is 100% a coin to look out for.”

It is worth keeping an eye on your spare change as it could be worth a lot more than you think.

Other rare coins which could be worth more include the One Penny which dates back to 1893, but it’s the production error which makes it a valuable find. 

The ancient coin features Britannia on the back and the reverse of the coin is the usual Queen Victoria bun head, which is a feature on many coins from this era. 

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What makes the coin valuable is an error with the number three in the date at the bottom of the coin. 

Under the number three of the error coin, it looks like there is the start of a number two.

If the coin features this it could be worth up to £600.

What are the most rare and valuable coins?

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How to spot rare coins and banknotes

Rare coins and notes hiding down the back of your sofa could sell for hundreds of pounds.

If you are lucky enough to find a rare £10 note you might be able to sell it for multiple times its face value.

You can spot rare notes by keeping an eye out for the serial numbers.

These numbers can be found on the side with the Monarch’s face, just under the value of £10 in the corner of the note.

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Also if you have a serial number on your note that is quite quirky you could cash in thousands.

For example, one seller bagged £3,600 after spotting a specific serial number relating to the year Jane Austen was born on one of their notes.

You can check if your notes are worth anything on eBay, just tick “completed and sold items” and filter by the highest value.

It will give you an idea of what people are willing to pay for some notes.

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But do bear in mind that yours is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it.

This is also the case for coins, you can determine how rare your coin is by looking a the latest scarcity index.

The next step is to take a look at what has been recently sold on eBay.

Experts from Change Checker recommend looking at “sold listings” to be sure that the coin has sold for the specified amount rather than just been listed.

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People can list things for any price they like, but it doesn’t mean it will sell for that amount.

We explain further how you can find out if you have a rare coin worth thousands sitting around the house.

How do I safely store valuable coins?

HERE are some tricks to keep your valuable coins safe from toning:

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  • Store your coins in individual containers
  • Put it in a clear, air tight holder that lets you see the coin from both sides
  • Avoid putting them in clear plastic sandwich bags because they can still rub against each other an may cause scratches or marks
  • Store your collection in a folder or album, although tarnishing may occur quicker than in an airtight container
  • Keep them out of a damp environment. You can use silica gel to help prevent damp
  • Wear clean, white gloves when handling the coins
  • Steer clear of using PVC materials as it traps moisture and releases acidic gases which can damage the collection.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

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Exact three-letter word to spot that makes your 2p worth 35,000 more – as rare coin sells for £700 at auction

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Exact three-letter word to spot that makes your 2p worth 35,000 more - as rare coin sells for £700 at auction

RARE coins can sell for thousands of times their face value – and it’s always worth seeing if you’ve got any lying about.

One coveted 2p coin garnered the interest of collectors across the world due to its unusual wording and sold for £700 at auction.

The 2p coin was worth £700 thanks to its rare wording

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The 2p coin was worth £700 thanks to its rare wordingCredit: RWS Auctions

Going under the hammer at RWB Auctions on September 25, the copper sold for a whopping 35,000 times its original market value.

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It is easily identified by three words as an error from the UK’s Royal Mint means that the 2p coin reads “new pence” instead of “two pence”.

Collectors say this subtle error was likely produced when an old die was used to strike the coin, and very few of these coins exist.

The handful of these coins can be found in sets produced in collaboration between The Royal Mint and Italian drinks company Martini & Rossi.

They were made as part of a promotional giveaway labelled ‘The Great British 1983 Coin Collection’ on the cover.

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But although thousands of the sets were released, only a small number feature the rare 2p coin.

“It is worth checking old coin collections for this set, particularly if you were born in 1983,” said Jon White, of RWB Auctions.

“Someone may have bought you one as a baby or as a Christening present. If they happened to get hold of a rare one, then you have a very valuable gift on your hands.”

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What are the most rare and valuable coins?

The auction house has previously sold a scarce Lord Kitchener £2 for £1,000 and an unusual Olympics 50p for £1,500.

How to spot rare coins and banknotes

Rare coins and notes are highly desirable among specialist collectors and could make you a mint if you find one.

Some of the most in-demand pieces can sell for hundreds of pounds.

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If you spot an unusual-looking coin in your change, keep hold of it.

Then look up exactly how rare it is. Usually, the rarer it is, the more valuable it is.

You can find out what coins are rare and how they look on The Royal Mint’s website.

You can also determine the coin and how common it is by looking at the scarcity index on specialist coin collector sites.

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How can I check if my error coin is genuine?

RARE and valuable coins can go for a hefty sum – but how do you know if your coin is the result of a genuine minting error?

The best way to find out if you have an error coin is to send it to the Royal Mint museum, which will analyse it and see if it is a result of a genuine minting error or not.

It’ll normally take a couple of weeks to get the results back to you.

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But remember, there’s a difference between a genuine error coin and one that is just imperfect, for example with a design that is not as clear as you’d expect.

And whatever you do, don’t be tempted to splash your cash without evidence from the Mint confirming that it’s a genuine error.

To work out how valuable it might be, take a look at similar coins that have recently sold on eBay or even at auction.

Remember to look at “sold listings” to be sure that the coin has sold for the specified amount rather than just been listed.

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It’s not just coins, rare notes can sell for multiple times their face value.

This includes fivers, rare £10 notes as well as higher denominations.

One of the main distinguishing marks of a rare note is the serial number.

These numbers can be found on the side with the Monarch’s face, just under the value of £10 in the corner of the note.

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Low serial numbers or something quite quirky can see you cash in thousands.

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