Changing the change: an evaluation of different options for smaller UK coins

Abstract

Different possible options (shown in figure 1) for change to the UK 5p and 10p coins were evaluated. In Experiment 1, little difference was found between the three options initially considered (Options 1-3 in figure 1), but in all three options there was found to be some confusion by touch between a new ‘sixpence’-sized 10p, and the 1p coin. In Experiment 2, it was found that such confusion could be removed by making this new 10p coin chunkier-reducing its diameter but maintaining its weight. This chunkier version of the 10p was found to give improved performance in Experiment 3, where the initial three options were compared with a fourth option in which the size of the 10p coin was changed less dramatically. This fourth option was found to be less satisfactory than the original three. These results can be used along with public preferences obtained from market research to narrow down the possible options for change.

Keywords:

• Coin design
• Coin handling