Coin News
Why Friday shows cash isn’t dead!
Visa was in meltdown on Friday, and not because of the hot weather that hit Britain this weekend, but due to a ‘hardware failure’ which affected card payments and sent cashless customers into chaos…
At 2.30pm, just as the nation was preparing to leave work for the pay day weekend, the Visa network crashed and left millions unable to pay for goods across both the UK and Europe.
Major retailers reported failures on card payments and bedlam ensued as queues built up at petrol stations, shopping was abandoned at supermarket tills and outraged cardholders took to social media to vent their frustration.
Following debates on whether or not Britain should become a cashless society, Friday’s incident seems to have further confirmed for us the importance of cash in our everyday lives and has been a stark reminder of the downfalls of relying solely on card payments.
Were you affected by the Visa crash on Friday? Let us know in the comments below.
Who’s hungry for the Fish and Chips 10p?
Yasmin and I went out for a lunchtime treat to Harlee’s Fish and Chip shop in Dorset and ended up with a real treasure in our change!
To celebrate #nationalfishandchipsday The Royal Mint have teamed up with the top 20 British chip shops to distribute the fish and chips themed 10ps in their tills – what better excuse for a Friday takeaway?!
We were lucky enough to find a 10p in our change, but have you had any luck finding one for yourself?
Here’s a map of the 20 shops who are currently distributing the 10ps, but remember if you haven’t found one for yourself you can always enter our Facebook competition to win the coin for you and a friend.
Happy #nationalfishandchipday!
The 2019 Brexit coin… Are EU for or against it?
Have you heard the latest press rumours about the possibility of a commemorative Brexit coin being struck to mark the UK’s departure from the European Union?
In the news this week, we’ve heard that Conservative MPs are demanding the Treasury produce a ‘Brexit coin’ for 2019, but opinions seem to be split as to whether or not the coin should in fact be made.
Whilst the Treasury is believed to be enthusiastic about the plans, the Department for Business has reportedly rejected proposals for the Royal Mail to issue commemorative Brexit stamps.
Traditionally, stamps and coins have played an important role in celebrating Britain’s historical milestones.
In 1973 both a commemorative stamp and 50p coin were issued to mark the UK’s entry into the EEC, which was then incorporated into the EU in 1993.
1973 Britain’s Entry into European Community Stamps. Credit: The Guardian
1973 50p issued for the UK’s accession to the European Economic Community
As Britain reaches such a significant moment in the country’s history, should stamps and coins be issued to celebrate this, or is the issue just too controversial a topic for our nation to memorialise?
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson commented, “Leaving the European Union will be a monumental moment in British history, so let’s deliver a commemorative stamp that shows the world we’ve got Brexit licked.”
Despite this, the Royal Mail Director of Public Affairs and Policy has rejected the proposal for a commemorative ‘Brexit stamp’ on the grounds that the Royal Mail must remain a figure of political neutrality.
Nonetheless, Conservative MPs seem to remain ever hopeful that the plans for a commemorative Brexit coin will be granted.
The Royal Mint Advisory Committee will be deliberating on whether or not to grant approval for this proposal and if it is approved, the design will then be proposed to Chancellor Philip Hammond before being sent to the Queen for Royal approval.
In coming months, we may see a public petition and even a design competition for the coin, but will you be signing your name to support the production of this coin?
Results from our Facebook poll showed that 68% of you voted in favour of a commemorative Brexit coin. We shall see what the future holds for this coin as The Royal Mint Advisory Committee deliberates the proposal…