As part of the 2014 Britannia Gold and Silver Proof Collection, the UK's Royal Mint introduced a super small coin that you might have to squint at to see. The coin is about half of the diameter of a 5p piece, and measures only just 1.8 cm, making it one of the smallest coins that the Royal Mint has created in about 1,000 years. For now, this is the smallest coin that the Royal Mint can make with the technology it currently uses.
The coin features a modern-day image of a globe, a lion and Britannia, who was first introduced on Roman coins of comparable size thousands of years ago. 9,650 of the coins have been minted and can be purchased from the Royal Mint for £50.
Tiny British Coins
This Small Coin from the Royal Mint Revives the Image of Britannia
Trend Themes
1. Miniaturization of Currency - The trend of shrinking physical currency creates an opportunity for disruptive innovations in digital payments and mobile wallets.
2. Nostalgic Iconography - Retro and traditional images, like Britannia, offer opportunities for disruptive branding and marketing strategies to appeal to consumers looking for authenticity in a digital age.
3. New Collectibles - Creating unique and limited-edition coins, like the half-penny-sized one from the Royal Mint, can stimulate new markets in collectibles and alternative investment opportunities.
Industry Implications
1. Banking and Finance - Miniaturization of currency points to possible disruptive innovations in digital payments, mobile wallets, and banking technology.
2. Marketing and Advertising - The use of nostalgic iconography, such as Britannia, creates opportunities for disruptive branding and marketing strategies, particularly in the luxury and heritage sectors.
3. Collectibles - Creating unique and limited-edition coins, like the half-penny-sized one from the Royal Mint, can stimulate new markets in collectibles, alternative investments, and even educational media.