How much can you legally pay in coins?
A friend has drawn my attention the little-known legal position. According to the Coinage Act of 1971, the position is as follows:
- 1p – for any amount not exceeding 20p
- 2p – for any amount not exceeding 20p
- 5p – for any amount not exceeding £5
- 10p – for any amount not exceeding £5
- 20p – for any amount not exceeding £10
- 50p – for any amount not exceeding £10
- £1 – for any amount
- £2 – for any amount
So now you know. Personally I am trying to avoid the use of coins by using a contactless credit card for as many small purchases as possible.