Pop Coin 1983

Pop Coin pound coin holder, 1983

Back in 1983 we really knew the pound in our pocket was worth less when the Royal Mint introduced the pound coin on 21 April and started to phase out the one pound bank note (remember those?).

The Mint's argument was that the coin would last forty years, whereas the pound note only lasted a year, so the coins were cheaper, and the Banking Information Service declared that that the pound was now a unit of change rather than of value.

The pound coins were also more suitable for vending machines. The Royal Mint was wary of the public's reaction, as there were some who tried to refuse to accept pound coins, but there was nowhere near the outcry that came when the Mint had phased out the ten shilling note in 1969, to replace it with the fifty pence piece.

Pound notes did not disappear straight away. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was in favour of keeping them. Nevertheless the writing was on the wall and the unit of change became small change.

The new coins were a shiny gold colour, presumably meant to be reminiscent of the Sovereign and Guinea coins of times past. Of course they contained no real gold, but were an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc. They were also just the right size and weight to roll out of a trouser pocket when you were sitting down.

The perfect solution was a pound coin holder, like the Pop Coin, above left. There were also tubes into which you could store the coins.

You can still purchase something similar on eBay, but I must admit to not really seeing them much in use since the 80s.

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Wayne Harlow
Found 4 of these at a bootsale today in new condition, there were more earlier in the day but i snapped up the last 4 for 20p each, Bargain!
Pauline Edwards
Would love to find a couple of these - I have 2 which belonged to my father - my husband uses one all the time. The problem I have is that I have 3 grandchildren who are all asking him for his - so who do I give my spare one to?? Will hang on to it in case I find more somewhere.
Simon Shaw
I have used one of these for donkeys years Would love to find new ones to purchase If you find any Dave, please please Let me know - would be happy to buy a dozen or so [email protected]
Dave Watson
I have about 10 of the ones that hold the Canadian 1 and 2 dollar coins. Just about all of then have one or two of the plastic clips broken. I would gladly buy a box full if I could.
Paul Davies
I am still using mine with the new shape pound coins but one slot is slack so can only safely hold four coins. Wish they would make them again. I saw one on display in a cabinet at the Tiptree museum in Essex recently.
 
   
Retrowow - vintage, retro and social history

Mid Century ★ Facts & Figures ★ Collectibles

Retrowow - vintage, retro and social history

★ Mid Century ★ Facts & Figures ★ Collectibles ★