open Democracy News Analysis - Change is in your pocket, - Comments

Phill on "Change is in your pocket"

Phill — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:45:44 +0100

From a purely historical point of view, it's leopards that form the Her Majesty's coat-of-arms, not lions. Edward I made this addition.

Helen on "Change is in your pocket"

Helen — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 02:38:46 +0100

http://search.petitions.pm.gov.uk/kbroker/number10/petitions/search.lsim?ha=1157&sc=number10&qt=new+coins

Helen on "Change is in your pocket"

Helen — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:07:17 +0100

It would be worth signing the e-petitions just to see what kind of response you receive once they have closed ;o) (the Government emails you with a response, outlining what action they will take or explaining why no action would be needed.) At least these petitions highlight that these coins were not the best choice out of 4,000 competition entries!

David on "Change is in your pocket"

David — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:28:34 +0100

As I argued in my deconstructionist critique of the new coinage, there are (at least) two ways you can read them: 1) as - literally - emblematic of the break up and fragmentation of the UK in a process of change that does not yet 'add up' or equate to the old / desired unity (the 88p of the six smaller (denomi)nations not adding up mathematically to the 'oneness' of the pound on which the entirety of the crest is figured); or 2) as indeed symbolising the necessity and strength of the Union, as none of the separate 'pieces' that partially represent the constituent parts of the UK are complete until they are put together into the image of the (re)united kingdom.

Either way, it's a bit ironic that a collection of coins that's meant to celebrate the United Kingdom causes so much controversy and dissatisfaction in every part of it! Equally, I wonder if the Mint have realised that they've probably started off a world-wide craze to collect all seven coins with the same year on them, which will doubtless see millions of the things leaving the country in the hands of delighted tourists, or forever rotting in the coin collections and piggy banks of the 'nation'. Well, at least it'll keep the Mint busy pumping out the things. Oh yes, it's in Wales, isn't it? That'll guarantee steady employment for a while - maybe that's the real Welsh connection!

David, aka Britology Watch

Michael Langstrom on "Change is in your pocket"

Michael Langstrom — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:10:36 +0100

A clever observation!

"...the symbolism of the United Kingdom’s coinage. I expect the two pound coin will have a bloody big Union Flag on it, with Gordon Brown’s head on the reverse side."

All I can say is Ha ha ha ha ha ha ... ROTFL!!!

Gareth Young (Brighton) on "Change is in your pocket"

Gareth Young (Brighton) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:43:41 +0100

From a purely aesthetic point of view I think they look great. But there is a certain irony in the symbolism of the United Kingdom's coinage. I expect the two pound coin will have a bloody big Union Flag on it, with Gordon Brown's head on the reverse side.

The Yanks disparagingly refer to Canadian notes as monopoly money.

Change is in your pocket,

OurKingdom — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:05:14 +0100

Felix Cohen (London, oD): Change is afoot, both here and across the Pond. Except more literally here. The Royal Mint has announced the introduction of new coins designed by Welsh designer Matthew Dent (more on his Welshness shortly).

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