The National Lottery mint own coins for scratchcards
THE National Lottery has created its own coins for use with scratchcards – because Brits have stopped carrying cash.
The operator 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 and the number 30 – to celebrate three decades since its scratchcards first launched.
Designed in Hattie’s bold signature style, they’ll be 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.
The coins were launched after a study of 2,000 adults also commissioned by the brand found 65% now don’t carry cash most of the time.
Hattie Stewart said: “Scratching is such a satisfying ritual.
“It’s about anticipation, excitement and that little moment of hope, it’s a bit messy too.
“I love that even now, people get creative with it when they don’t have a coin to hand, using keys, cards, rings, even their fingernails, but nothing quite beats doing it properly.
“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 study also found the shift away from physical money isn’t without its downsides – 40% have been unable to pay for everyday items after finding themselves without coins or notes.
The most frustrating moments include needing a coin for a trolley, when using pay-per-use public toilets and tipping.
While 7% have been caught short when trying to play a scratchcard.
Carried out through OnePoll, the research found of those who’ve ever purchased a scratchcard, 67% claim the experience of scratching one is more satisfying when using a coin.
But occasions when they don’t have one to hand has led to players being creative with their choice of tools – 40% have opted for a key and 13% have resorted to using a pen.
This content is sourced from www.thesun.co.uk and is shared for informational purposes only.
