The Decline of Cash and Its Impact on Coin Collecting
In an era increasingly dominated by contactless payments and digital transactions, a poignant letter to the editor has highlighted a charming yet fading tradition: the collection of commemorative £2 coins. The correspondence, published in a recent edition, reflects on the simple joys of receiving specially designed coins as change, a practice now threatened by the rapid shift towards a cashless society.
Nostalgia for Physical Currency
The letter writer, Manju Ghosh from Bolton, Greater Manchester, expressed delight in an article about using only cash for a week but noted a significant omission. They lamented the absence of mention regarding the thrill of discovering a unique £2 coin in one's change. Ghosh proudly owns a collection that includes all the Shakespeare and Charles Dickens commemorative coins but finds themselves unable to acquire the newly issued George Orwell £2 coin, released in January 2026. With cash transactions becoming increasingly rare, the opportunity to stumble upon such coins in everyday spending has dwindled, sparking concern among enthusiasts.
Broader Reflections on Simpler Times
This sentiment echoes a broader theme of nostalgia in the letters section. Another reader, Jean Jackson from Seer Green, Buckinghamshire, praised the Country Diary column for its serene prose, which transported them back to botany classes in the late 1950s at Cullernose Point, Northumberland. The column served as a beacon of calm amidst modern chaos, evoking memories of nature and birdsong from a bygone era.
Humorous Anecdotes and Queries
The letters also featured light-hearted contributions on everyday topics. Pete Clarkson from Manfield, North Yorkshire, offered a humorous tip for putting on duvet covers, suggesting a method that involves pulling the cover over one's head and shaking it down. Meanwhile, Catherine Tann from West Byfleet, Surrey, shared a puzzling experience with washing instructions on a flat sheet that advised to "Wash inside out," prompting whimsical speculation about its purpose.
Further adding to the playful tone, Alan Payling from Torquay, Devon, quipped about sleeping on the duvet letters before they are put to bed, and Pam Lunn from Kenilworth, Warwickshire, raised a curious question about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince, referencing earlier correspondence.
The Future of Coin Collecting in a Digital Age
As society continues to embrace cashless technologies, the tradition of collecting commemorative coins faces an uncertain future. The George Orwell £2 coin, intended to celebrate literary heritage, may become a rare find for collectors like Ghosh, who rely on casual cash transactions to expand their collections. This discussion underscores a larger conversation about the cultural and personal losses associated with the decline of physical currency, from the tactile pleasure of handling coins to the serendipitous joy of uncovering a special edition in one's pocket change.
The Guardian's letters section remains a vibrant platform for such reflections, inviting readers to share their opinions on a wide range of topics, from financial trends to everyday quirks.
