I don't think I'm particularly neophobic, but these new coins seem to me like they come out of a children's board game!
The plated steel coins look and feel much the same as the old coins, but they are lighter. from here.
They don't feel the same, because they are lighter. They feel flimsy in my hands. I don't have enough leverage to bend a 20c piece with my bare hands, but I bet I could do it easily with some pliers.
Doubtless I am an old curmudgoen, but what other countries have gone through this process? And have ANY other countries actually got rid of coins entirely?
Here's how I view it:
There are no longer 1c, 2c coins. Now there are also no longer 5c coins.
Therefore, the lowest denomination of money is now 10c.
Therefore 10c is the new 1c.
Therefore $1 is the new 10c.
Therefore $10 is the new $1.
Therefore: get used to spending more money on things, people.
Those sneaky fucks.
Posted by pearce at July 31, 2006 1:51 PMHmmm I just checked my pocket and realised I had no idea how much money I had. I used to be able to judge just from coin size and weight but now I have no idea!~
Really dislike the 50c coin - only slightly bigger than the old 10c and looks pretty tacky.
I, for one, am far from convinced that it's a good move...
But it's not like we have any say in it is it?
Posted by: Scott C at July 31, 2006 3:06 PMBut the plans have been on display for months, awaiting public comment!
On display in a locked fiing cabinet stuck in a disused lavatory with a sign outside the door saying "Beware of the leopard."
Apologies to DNA for stealing this H2G2G quote.
Posted by: Pearce at August 1, 2006 4:02 PM