National Lottery creates own coin as nearly two-thirds of Britons stop carrying cash

The National Lottery has unveiled specially designed coins intended for use when scratching lottery tickets, after new research revealed nearly two-thirds of the British public no longer routinely carry cash.

The limited-edition tokens, marginally bigger than a standard £2 coin, were introduced following findings that 65 per cent of people rarely have cash on their person nowadays.

Each scratch-coin displays the lottery's recognisable crossed-fingers emblem alongside its "It could be you" tagline.

The coins also feature the number 30, marking the 30th anniversary of the organisation's instant-win tickets.

Constructed from recycled materials, the commemorative pieces were created by Hattie Stewart, a London-based artist and illustrator whose portfolio includes work for major brands such as Sephora, Nike and Gucci.

Ms Stewart described the act of scratching as highly enjoyable, noting the ritual's inherent appeal.

"Scratching is such a satisfying ritual," she said.

"It's about anticipation, excitement and that little moment of hope, it's a bit messy too."

The designer observed how purchasers improvise when lacking proper coins.

"I love that even now, people get creative with it when they don't have a coin to hand, using keys, cards, rings, even their fingernails, but nothing quite beats doing it properly," she said.

Ms Stewart expressed that creating the coin represented an unusual commission in her career.

"I've been fortunate to have my designs featured on guitars, watches, clothing but never 'money'.

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"The idea of one of my designs being actually minted is really special and it's fun to add a pop of colour to something which isn't usually colourful."

The study, which surveyed 2,000 respondents, revealed difficulties associated with Britain's transition to a cashless economy, with 40 per cent reporting occasions when they were unable to purchase routine goods or services due to not carrying cash.

Survey participants conducted through OnePoll identified their most irritating cashless predicaments, with needing currency for shopping trolleys topping the list at 28 per cent.

Pay-and-use public conveniences proved problematic for 26 per cent of those polled, whilst 24 per cent cited leaving gratuities as a frustration.

A further seven per cent had found themselves in difficulty, specifically when attempting to use a scratchcard without an appropriate coin available.

Among those who have previously bought instant-win tickets, two-thirds stated that using a coin produces a more gratifying scratching experience, according to the OnePoll study.

When coins are unavailable, purchasers have demonstrated resourcefulness, with 40 per cent turning to keys as their implement of choice.

Pens have served as makeshift scratching tools for 13 per cent of players who found themselves without traditional options.

The specially designed tokens will become available from Saturday, May 23, at participating retailers throughout the country.

Customers purchasing any National Lottery scratchcard will receive one of the commemorative coins without charge, though supplies are finite and distribution will continue only whilst stocks remain available.