Debates surrounding low value coinage – their use, perceived usefulness, seigniorage, and so on – are hardly rare, particularly as countries such as the Bahamas, Estonia, Slovakia, and Lithuania have either previously or plan to introduce cash rounding, effectively dropping the lowest denominated coins regardless of them remaining legal tender.

Many societies have a long-standing tradition of gifting money (banknotes and coins) to mark auspicious occasions – births and birthdays, weddings and other special events, where the value of the gift is as much social as it is financial.

In December 2022, Coin & Mint News was still in its fledgling stages, and we published a round-up of three key trends that became ever more apparent over the course of last year – environmental sustainability, effective circulation, and industry collaboration.

Whilst some central banks are turning to technology to solve issues with coin distribution, the option of using coin-operated machines is steadily being replaced in many areas by those offering cashless payment options only. These options may be more convenient, but they can come at the expense of those who rely on traditional cash-accepting machines.

In this article, Nicola Sudan, Regional Director of Reconnaissance International, provides a viewpoint on the continuing usefulness of coins in South Africa.

Welcome to the inaugural issue of Coin & Mint News™ from the publishers of Currency News™ and Cash & Payment News™, and the only news source dedicated specifically to circulating coins, the minting industry and the numismatic community.