Why Real Coins Still Matter in a Cashless World
In a society increasingly shaped by digital payments, contactless technology, and virtual wallets, the use of coins in daily life is declining, particularly in large towns and cities where a simple tap of a phone often replaces the clink of change. Yet, real coins still carry extraordinary educational value within the primary education foundational years. Their power lies not in nostalgia, but in how they support children's learning and development, and their understanding of value.
Recognising coins is only the surface of financial literacy. True understanding requires grasping value, a concept that doesn’t easily transfer through screens or abstract exercises. Just as children learn the meaning of the number "4" by first holding and counting four physical objects, they also come to understand monetary value by manipulating and interacting with real coins. Without this tangible experience, money remains an abstract concept—disconnected from real-world use and meaning.
“It’s really important for children to develop more than just a recognition of what coins are, but also an understanding of how much those coins are worth. Engaging with physical coins helps young children develop an understanding of ‘value’.” - Paul Street, Financial Education Delivery Coordinator, JFF
In practical terms, this means encouraging children to use coins in everyday learning scenarios—such as running classroom shops, solving shopping-based maths problems, or participating in role-play exercises that simulate real-life spending and saving decisions. These activities don’t just enhance numeracy skills. They make learning memorable and relevant. A child may be able to subtract 30p from £1 on paper, but doing so with physical coins brings the calculation to life. They can feel the change in their hand and begin to understand not only how money works, but what it means to make a transaction.
This hands-on experience is all the more crucial in a world where physical money is becoming less visible. Many children now grow up in households where spending is silent and invisible. Digital transactions happen through contactless cards or mobile apps, and cash may rarely be used at all. Without deliberate exposure in school, children risk growing up without a basic, embodied understanding of money.
This issue is also key to promoting inclusion. For many children, especially those from lower-income households, school may be the only environment where they regularly encounter and interact with money in a structured, empowering way. Physical coins provide a level playing field for all learners. Whether used in pretend shops or money maths games, they offer every child the chance to engage practically with financial concepts.
As we marked National Coin Week 2025 recently, there’s a compelling case to be made: coins remain essential in our classrooms not because we resist the future, but because we want children to be ready for it. Before they can navigate banking apps, balance budgets, or understand credit, they need to know what money is. That knowledge begins not on a screen, but in their hands.
Coins may no longer jingle in every adult’s pocket, but for primary-aged learners, they remain a valuable educational tool. This is a timely reminder not to overlook them.