One penny coins were back in production last year after none were minted for general circulation in the previous two years, Royal Mint figures show.

Covid lockdowns meant that many coins were hoarded at home requiring some to be produced for use in the economy.

Banks recently called on people to donate unused loose change to charities after the pandemic hit fundraising.

Some 88 million new 1p coins were minted in 2020 - still well below the levels seen before the two-year pause.

The figures show that no new £2 coins have been minted for four consecutive years, and no new 2p coins have been produced for three years.

The Royal Mint has previously stated that it had no plans to resume production of these coins for 10 years, owing to a coin mountain that exists while demand has dropped.

David adds:

To read the complete articles, see:
Pennies back in production as cash is hoarded during Covid(https://www.bbc.com/news/business-58560185)
One penny coins back in production with over 88 million made by Royal Mint last year(https://news.sky.com/story/one-penny-coins-back-in-production-with-over-88-million-made-by-royal-mint-last-year-12408373)