In for a penny, in for a pound - while we have brass in pocket

Scrabbling around in the bottom of my bag the other day, it struck me that if we're going to end up as a cashless society, someone had better invent an alternative to the pound coin, and fast.

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These little golden nuggets are vital for so many things.

Going to the supermarket? You'll need a pound for the trolley.

Off swimming at the local baths? Don't forget your quid for the locker.

Washing machine on the blink? Grab a handful of pound coins before you head to the laundrette, energy doesn't come cheap these days you know.

Planning to put some air in your tyres? You'll need a pound coin to put into the machine. Although don't get me started on the cost of that - it seems like yesterday when you could stick a 20p piece in and still leave a bit of air for the next person.