A RARE 20p coin released in error by the Royal Mint has sold for for almost 300 times its face value on eBay.

The eBay seller, who's based in Malvern, sold the coin on August 18 for a total price of £58, plus £2.99 postage, having received 23 bids for it.

A number of 20p coins were released into circulation by the Royal Mint in November 2008 without any dates either side - becoming a unique opportunity for rare coin enthusiasts.

On the item's description, the seller said: "The much talked about Royal Mint coin accidentally released into circulation without a date on it.

"I worked in a shop around this time when cash was still king and managed to obtain two of these rare coins.

"I would say the coin is in good circulated condition, with no pronounced scratches or other damage."

However the coin's buyer may have got a bargain, as another undated 20p coin was sold on eBay in July for £70 - 350 times its face value.

According to the Royal Mint, less than 250,000 of the 136 million 20p coins minted and circulated between 2008 and 2009 were undated.

It confirmed that these coins were still legal tender and have a face value of 20p.