A rare 50p released as part of the 2012 London Olympics collection has sold for £1,500.

Olympic coins are not too hard to come by - but the owner of this coin knew that it would be worth something when they spotted a rare ambiguity.

The Aquatics 50p was issued by the UK's Royal Mint in 2011 ahead of the 2012 London Olympics, with 29 designs representing different sports.

In the standard aquatic design, the coin depicts a goggle-wearing swimmer whose face is fully visible moving through the water.

But on this rare coin that went up for auction at RWB Auctions, the swimmer's face is obscured by lines over it.

These rare anomalies have now become known as the 'Lines Over The Face' Aquatic 50ps and can be worth thousands.

Swindon Advertiser: The swimmer's face has been obscured by lines.The swimmer's face has been obscured by lines. (Image: RWB Auctions)

"Only a few hundred examples with this rare design variation are believed to have been released," said coin expert Kimberly Day.

"We're delighted that this coin has raised such a sum, it's a fair price for such a rare coin and we believe its value will only increase over time."

The coin went under the hammer for £1,500 in Royal Wootton Bassett, and hoarders of small change are now being urged to check their purses to see if they could also be holding on to a rare 'Lines Over The Face' coin.