| When it comes down to it there are really two | | | | people this provided them with an opportunity to |
| types of coin that exist in this country. There is | | | | save some for posterity. One notable feature of |
| the coin that is legal tender (the ones we use | | | | the new coinage was the words ‘new |
| every day) and the coin that is worthy of being | | | | pence’ that appeared on them. After ten |
| collected. | | | | years this was deemed to be no longer |
| Many people throughout the UK look out for a | | | | necessary to distinguish old from new, and so the |
| coin or two to add to their collection, and there | | | | message disappeared. |
| are plenty that fit the bill. From the most recent | | | | If we bring things right up to date we can find a |
| example of the newly designed coinage that has | | | | whole range of coinage that is produced |
| found its way into the pockets of the nation, to | | | | specifically for collecting purposes. This is in direct |
| the historic type of coin that dates from many | | | | contrast to the way things used to be. For |
| years ago, there is a lot for the avid coin collector | | | | instance when decimalisation came in there was |
| to consider. | | | | no push to make the old coinage into sets that |
| As far as UK coin collecting is concerned, there | | | | could be preserved. |
| has always been a strong association with royalty | | | | Now though you can purchase a specific |
| on every coin that has been released over the | | | | commemorative coin or a complete presentation |
| years. This is one of the main reasons why | | | | set of many different kinds. One example is the |
| collectors enjoy what they do – it provides a | | | | sovereign, which is available as a quarter, half or |
| distinct link with history in more than one way in | | | | full sovereign coin. These are indicative of the fact |
| the UK. | | | | that many of today’s collectable sets are |
| Even today there is the occasional find that dates | | | | issued in limited numbers. |
| from many years ago. A good example is the | | | | So if you want to start a coin collection you have |
| silver coin from 211 BC that surfaced in | | | | two choices. You can either look for individual |
| Leicestershire in the year 2000. Alongside these | | | | coins yourself to try and find rare ones, or you |
| rare finds the history of coin collecting covers a | | | | can buy complete sets from dealers or other |
| lot of other ground as well. | | | | venues. But either way you will be able to |
| For example a notable period in British history was | | | | continue the chapter of coin collecting in the UK |
| the abolition of pre-decimal currency in 1971. As | | | | that looks set to continue for a long time to |
| soon as the new currency came in, every | | | | come yet. |
| previous coin ceased to be legal tender. For some | | | | |