Royal Mint announces coin change
Members of the public are being invited by the Royal Mint to redesign the face of Britain’s coins for the first time in more than 30 years.
The competition, which offers a prize of up to £30,000 for the winner, has fuelled speculation that a decision has been made about Britain’s possible entry into the euro, although the Treasury dismissed such claims as “absolute nonsense”.
It would be the first time the tail designs on the coins had been changed since 1971, when they were given a facelift for decimalisation. The 20p coin was introduced in 1982, and has not been changed since then.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for people to be involved in designing their own coinage and, for the winning designer, there could be a prize of up to £30,000. We are looking forward to seeing what ideas are submitted,” said Gerald Sheehan, the chief executive of the Royal Mint.
He added: “Although we use coins every day and we often take them and their designs for granted, it is fascinating how strongly people feel about the coinage and how integral it is to our history.”
The announcement has prompted speculation that the Treasury has decided not to take Britain into the euro, as the invitation to redesign had to be approved by chancellor Gordon Brown, as will the new coins themselves.
It is believed that the expense of changing the coins would not go ahead it they were about to be phased out in favour of the euro.
Neil O’Brien, of anti-euro campaign group Vote No, told the Press Association: “I don’t think anyone believes there is any prospect of us joining the euro in the foreseeable future. Today’s announcement shows institutions are planning on that basis.”
However, a spokesman for the Treasury dismissed the suggestion as “absolute nonsense”, saying the department’s position on the single currency has not changed.
In 2003, the Treasury set out its five economic tests that would have to be met for Britain to consider entering the euro. “This announcement [from the Royal Mint] has absolutely nothing to do with that,” the spokesman said.
