‘The sort of money we are going to have to get used to’ (1968)

The new designs for the 1/2p, 1p, 2p, 5p and 10p were unveiled in February 1968 to much praise. In the same month the foundation stone of the Royal Mint at Llantrisant was laid by James Callaghan, formerly Chancellor of the Exchequer and now Home Secretary. Continuing the long tradition of placing coins under foundation stones, two new decimal 2p pieces were placed beneath it, chosen no doubt because they show the badge of the Prince of Wales.