AN ONLINE silver coin calculator has launched to prevent people being ripped off when trying to sell.

Jon White, who runs the Britannia Coin Company, started the online pre-decimal resource to mark the 50th anniversary of going decimal on Monday.

“It's been 50 years since we abandoned half crowns, florins and the like and we began to count in pennies and pounds. However there are 1000s of old coins still out there and they are an easy target for those who don’t play fair,” Jon said.

These coins might be sixpences, florins or shillings, and sellers who don't know any better could be short-changed, which this calculator can help to avoid.

Jon, of Royal Wootton Bassett, said: “With pre 1947 coins the silver content can be relatively high – and there are still tons of these coins in cupboards, drawers and attics nationwide. Many dealers don’t offer a valuation which, in my view, is fair and people get perhaps 60 per cent of the value of the precious metal if they are lucky.

"Many competitors rely on sellers not fully understanding the true value of their coins. I’ve always had the philosophy that it's better to give the customer the information needed for them to make the best decision for them when selling their coins, or even their jewellery."

To find out more or value your own coins visit https://britanniacoincompany.com