National Lottery collaborates with London illustrator to mint its own coins

The National Lottery has created its own coins for use with scratchcards because Brits have stopped carrying cash. National Lottery has partnered with London-based artist and illustrator Hattie Stewart, who has designed for campaigns including Sephora, Nike and Gucci, to create the limited-edition ‘scratch-coins.’

Crafted from recycled materials and a little larger than a £2 coin, each design features the brand’s iconic crossed-fingers logo, the “It could be you” slogan, as well as the number 30 to celebrate three decades since its scratchcards first launched.

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 coins were launched after a study of 2,000 adults also commissioned by the brand found 65% of people don’t carry cash most of the time.

But it found the shift away from physical cash isn’t without its downsides 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.

On occassions where Brits have bought a scratchcard but haven’t had a coin to hand they have got creative with their choice of tools with 40% using 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.