What's this strange coin?

By THIS IS MONEY
Updated:

 

I recently got a £2.00 coin in change that is all one colour (similar to a £1 coin) it appears to be a Scottish coin, is heavier than the usual bi-colour £2.00 coin and no one will accept it from me. What is it? DW, London.

A spokesperson at the Royal Mint, which deals with queries about whether coins are legal tender, says it sounds like a Scottish commemorative coin.

Before the usual bi-colour £2.00 coin was issued we issued two single coloured Scottish commemorative coins.

It could be either a 1989-issue Scottish Claim of Right coin in which case it will bear the dates 1689-1989 and a picture of a mace going through the intertwined initials W and M for William and Mary. Or it could be a 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh coin which has a thistle on it, either could have found their way into circulation. They are the same diameter as a normal £2.00 coin but are a bit heavier and the same colour as a pound coin. They are legal tender with a face value of £2.00 but few people recognise them, you can change them at the bank.

Coin specialists Spinks' modern coins department says these coins do not have any value above their £2.00 face value.

If you have any queries about the tender of coins you can call the Royal Mint's information office on 01443 23060/061.

Most watched Money videos