National Lottery launches its own coins as Brits ditch cash

The National Lottery has created its own limited-edition scratch coins, after a survey found 65% of Brits don’t carry cash most of the time

The National Lottery has produced its own coins for use with scratchcards because Brits have abandoned carrying cash.

The National Lottery teamed up with London-based artist and illustrator Hattie Stewart, who has created designs for campaigns including Sephora, Nike and Gucci, to develop the limited-edition ‘scratch-coins.’

Made from recycled materials and slightly bigger than a £2 coin, each design showcases the brand’s iconic crossed-fingers logo, the “It could be you” slogan, plus the number 30 to mark three decades since its scratchcards first launched.

The coins were unveiled following a study of 2,000 adults also commissioned by the brand which revealed 65% of people don’t carry cash most of the time.

Hattie Stewart said: “I wanted the coin to feel fun, celebratory and full of personality. I’ve been fortunate to have my designs featured on guitars, watches, clothing but never ‘money’.

“The idea of one of my designs being actually minted is really special and it’s fun to add a pop of colour to something which isn’t usually colourful.”

The move away from physical cash isn’t without its drawbacks as 40% have been unable to pay for everyday items after finding themselves without coins or notes.

This was most frustrating when needing a coin for a trolley, having to use a pay-per-use public toilet, and tipping.

In instances where Brits have bought a scratchcard but found themselves without a coin, they have got creative with their choice of tools; 40% resorted to a key and 13% using a pen.

The coins are available from Saturday May 23 at selected retailers across the UK and come free with the purchase of any National Lottery scratchcard – while stocks last