A rare Euro coin has reportedly seen its value skyrocket five times its face value in just one week alone – and it’s all down to a tiny error. So do you have this piece?
Christine Younan Deputy Editor Social Newsdesk
12:01, 19 Jul 2026
Always check your change for any hidden gems(Image: AndreasWeber via Getty Images)
Check your loose change immediately as this euro coin could be worth far more than you think. Not long ago, people were told to check their change for €2 coins as a rare feature can significantly increase its value.
Now if you’re keen to pocket some additional money, this particular coin is definitely one to watch out for. The celebrated James Joyce €10 is causing quite a stir on social media – and it’s all because of an error in his quote which sent the value soaring to 5x more than face value in just one week. So have you got this coin?
In a TikTok video, the Irish Silver Stack, who has 12,600 followers, explained: “This is the famous James Joyce coin and well it’s famous for those who know about it but for those who don’t, this was released in April 2013 and its presale price was €46.
“It completely sold out and within a week, it was being sold on the second-hand market for around €200. The reason for this is not the limited mintage of 10,000 or the rarity, it’s simply because there was an error made on the design.”
Content cannot be displayed without consentReal Reason Rare James Joyce €10 Coin Value Skyrocketed
Discussing the mistake, the expert explained the words are taken from a quote in his novel Ulysses.
The video went on: “When I say quote, I actually should say misquote as they’ve added an extra word in the second sentence, the word ‘that’ and it’s exactly that the little error drove this coin to increase its value 5x within week.
“The little star you see there is the symbol of the Europa coin programme, it’s particular commemoration was to celebrate European writers and James Joyce was Ireland’s edition.
“Just underneath you can see that domination of €10, this was designed by Mary Gregory. Now one of these coins has come down in value a small bit but they do fluctuate.
“Right now you can see them on the second-hand market with box and certificate for around €150 to €160.”
The Ulysses Typo Which Created a Rare Collector’s Item
This 2013 James Joyce €10 coin is hugely prized by collectors due to its notorious, glaring error. It was released by the Central Bank of Ireland as part of the Europa Star series celebrating European literary figures.
The coin depicts a portrait of Joyce with passages from his landmark work Ulysses flowing from his head in a stream of consciousness style.
In the design, it was meant to quote the celebrated line from the novel’s third chapter, which states: “Ineluctable modality of the visible: at least that if no more, thought through my eyes. Signatures of all things I am here to read.”
Instead, the error actually reads: “Signatures of all things that I am here to read.”
At the time, the Central Bank dismissed the mistake, describing it as an “artistic representation” rather than a direct quotation. Though they subsequently provided refunds to disappointed purchasers.