Where is the £6.6bn in old UK banknotes and coins unaccounted for?
A significant amount of outdated currency in the United Kingdom has yet to be exchanged, with approximately £6.6 billion worth of old banknotes and coins still unreturned to the Bank of England and Royal Mint. Despite numerous public campaigns urging individuals and businesses to trade in outdated denominations, a large portion of these notes and coins remain in circulation—or forgotten entirely.The graphic comprises former paper bills that have been substituted by more secure polymer versions, as well as round pound coins that ceased to be legal tender a few years ago. Recent statistics indicate that approximately £4.4 billion of the…
