Runners Up
A Trip with a 50p
Hello, my name is 50 pence, I have been passed from person to person all my life. I was minted in the Royal Mint in Llantrisant in 1969. I was so lovely, shiny and new. I have seven sides, and weigh about 13.5 grams. My diameter is 30 millimeters and I'm made from metals called copper and nickel - this makes me quite hard.
There is a picture of our queen on the front of me (heads) and a picture of Britannia on my back (tails) I was the first 50 pence coin to be minted, which makes me feel quite special.
I was talking to another 50p coin on the way to the bank the other day, he said someone called him an old '10-shilling note' once. This made him really upset because he didn't know what a 'shilling' was or what it looked like - he thought it was nasty name calling. It didn't make any sense to him (being a coin) until I told him that we had replaced that paper note, and it was no longer used to buy things - we laughed so much. Afterwards I found out that me and a group of friends (all coins), were part of a special project called 'decimalisation' and we were going to be part of 'Decimal Day' which was to be held on the 15th of February 1971. The night before Decimal Day, I was so excited - I couldn't sleep, but I was also a bit scared - what would happen? Where would I go? What could I buy?
On the day, I started my journey in a woman's purse. She carried me into a shop, and paid for 2 loaves of bread, 2 packs of bacon, a pack of butter, 2 packets of cheese and 3 pints of milk. From there I ended up with a man, he took me to the cinema, I was used to pay for a ticket and two lemonades, 2 packets of boiled sweets and a packet of popcorn. I remember spending the night in the till.
The next day Audrey had me. Audrey was a young girl and the most unusual person I had ever come across - because she didn't spend me. She took me everywhere she went! She wore a woolly jumper and brown corduroy trousers. Audrey kept me in her trouser pocket along with a Conker on a string and a sticky toffee sweet: it was quite cosy in there. One day on a walk in the park Audrey pulled the Conker out of her pocket and I went hurtling in the air and landed in a puddle! I was soaking. I laid there for a while, then suddenly, a blue glove came towards me...it was a man. He picked me up, gave me a shake and put me into his wallet. I turned over and saw five other 50 pences, I shouted hooray! I was so pleased to see everyone again.
Olivia.
Cody and the Coin
It was decimal day and Cody had just come home from school. When he walked into the kitchen, he put his bag on the sofa and sat down. His mum walked in holding six shiny coins. She sat down next to him and showed him the coins. "Wow, I've never seen any coins like these mum, what are they?" asked Cody; the coins glinted in his eyes like stars of the night sky. "They are decimal coins Cody, the coins we will now use to buy things and I would like to give these ones to you. The fifty new pence, the ten new pence, the five new pence, the two new pence, the new penny and the new half penny." answered his mother, who had a broad smile on her face. "Go on, have a look closely with your magnifying glass".
Cody ran swiftly up his stairs and into his room, holding the six coins out on his palm. He opened his drawer and took out his magnifying glass. He sat down on the side of his bed to examine these new eye-catching coins. Then all of a sudden the five pence said "Hello Cody." Cody was so shocked that he had goosebumps, his jaw fell right open and he dropped his magnifying glass onto the floor. "Y-y-you just sp-sp-spoke?!", Cody couldn't even get his words out properly. "That's right." answered the five pence calmly. "Don't worry I'm here to help you." Cody took a deep breath and asked calmly, "Help me with what?" "Understand decimal money of course!" replied the coin. "I am five pence; twenty, five pence are the same as one pound." Cody was quite confused as his money was very different and so he said, "But I thought that twenty four pence is one pound." The five pence answered saying, "That was imperial money; now what I am telling you about is decimal money like me!" "Ok but can I still use my sixpence in the shop across the road?" asked Cody curiously. "No sorry Cody, you can only use decimal money now." answered the coin. "Why don't you use your new coins to get used to using them?
Cody walked to the newsagent's across the road, still holding on to the six coins (As he was 12, his mother let him go out by himself as long as he was by the street). Once inside, he looked around for something little to buy. He saw a chocolate bar which was ten pence. o to buy it, he needed to use his ten pence coin. He put the money on the counter and asked the newsagent, "Can I have one fudge bar please sir?" "Of course sonny, here you go!" answered the joyful newsagent as he handed over the fudge. "You know what five pence? Decimal money isn't that bad." Cody said to his friend named five pence.
Benjamin.
Decimal Day
My name is Steven and I am 10 years old. Next week is Decimal Day where we all have to learn how to use new money. We have been doing quite a lot about it in school lately so I think I'll be fine. But it's older people who will probably struggle. My nan is refusing to learn about it because she doesn't like things to change.
So the day has finally arrived February 15 1971. My mam gave me 10 new pennies to buy a loaf of bread which cost 6p so I had 4p change. I really like this new money so I have decided to do a few odd jobs so I can get more new pennies.
My first stop is the newsagents. Fantastic, he has a Sunday round for me. I have to get up at 6am. My feet are killing me. I have walked 4 miles to deliver 100's of newspapers and the bag was so heavy. However, I earned 25p. My money was sparking like fireworks. I love this new money. So, my next odd job is washing people's cars. I washed 10 cars today and earned 5 new pennies, Wow!
On my way home from school today I popped in to visited my nan. She wasn't very happy. She has no clue about this new money and was having a right moan about the government and why they have to change everything. I tried to explain to her that it was easy but she was having none of it so I just gave up. So far I have earned 75p new pennies. I have seen this really cool football in Woolworths that costs 100 new pennies. I only need to earn 25p and I can have it!
The weekend has come round again. I have to go to town shopping with my nan because she has no clue how to use the new money and is being stuborn and refusing to learn. Great!!! She is arguing with the shopkeepers because she thinks they are trying to cheat her. When we got back home my nan asked me if I could teach her new money, I told her florins were 24p. 1 shilling is 12p and 20 shillings is a pound finally she understood. She was so pleased with herself, we jumped back on the bus to town as she wanted to try out the new money. And because I helped her she gave me 25p so I could buy the new football. When we got home I went straight out to call for Paul, Lee, Mark, Simon and Chris we all went over to the football field to play with my new ball, my most favourite player is George Best. When I grow up I want to be just like George Best and earn lots of new pennies, buy fast cars and be the best football player the world has ever seen.
Ethan.
Decimal Day Tragedy!
It was a dark, stormy night, long ago in 1971. The Royal Mint were very busy, making the new coins for the new release the next day. They were bringing out all of the new money. There were a lot of copper, silver and golden coins glinting about the factory. The machines were working tirelessly through the night when...Poof! The terrible storm had cut the power out. After what seemed like forever, (which was only five minutes) the power went back on. Yet for one, small cute coin, that simple power cut had changed everything.
The minting machine putting the design on the penny coins had stopped, and it hadn't minted one of the coins. The machine had carried on, not realising the coin was plain. (Well, it was a machine!) When the coin, which was a small, shiny penny, met all of the other pennies, he was ridiculed. He had no design. He was the odd one out. He was so sad, that he ran away. He ran and ran, further and faster, not looking where he was going until he fell down the drain. He fell until he hit the stone floor of the sewers. He sat in the darkness, crying his poor, copper heart out.
Suddenly, a light as bright as the sun shone over this depressed penny, and a golden pound coin flew down. She had snow white as soft as a pillow, and a halo, golden like a star. She spoke to this penny in a sweet, sing-song voice. It rang out loud, louder than the church bells.
"I am your guardian angel. Why are you sad, little coin? You are the only coin like this. You are unique!" she exclaimed, "Don't be sad, be proud!"
"Thank you!" shouted the penny as she faded away.
After much struggling and gasping, the penny clambered out of the drain. It was morning now. As he skipped down the street, happy now, a girl of about 10 saw the coin and picked it up. She examined the coin incredibly closely and carefully. "I shall keep you, little penny," she murmured to the coin, "You can come home with me. You are much safer now that you are with me."
She picked him up. As she was about to put him in her pocket, she heard a squeaky little voice squeal with delight. She heard it say "Thank you! I do appreciate it so. Thank you, thank you very much!" She looked at the coin and it winked. She put it in her pocket and took him home. She talked to him every day and he told her of his adventures, and found out a lot about her too. Her name was Lillian. Lillian has treasured this small, little coin and when her oldest daughter turned ten, she gave the little coin to her. She still goes to see the coin every week, and he will stay a big part of her life. He was her friend.
Lauren.
Lleidr Annisgwyl
Mewn bwthyn bach clyd ger Llantrisant, roedd hen wraig gyfeillgar yn byw. Erbyn hyn, roedd y wraig yn unig ac roedd yn byw ar ben ei hun. Gwisgai ddillad carpiog, ond eto yn glyd. Cyrliau ei gwallt tennau o gwmpas ei wyneb rhychlyd. Ei henw oedd Margret. Margret Jones.
Roedd Margret - neu Mrs.Jones - yn byw yn y flwyddyn 1971. Un diwrnod, roedd Mrs. Jones yn gwrando ar y radio yn ei thŷ. Clywodd am y stori ddiweddaraf ‘Newid i’r byd arian’ Yn ogystal, clywodd am yr arian newydd! Dechreuodd boeni’n arw. Sut yr oedd am ddysgu sut i brynu ei phapur newydd dyddiol!? Sut y byddai yn mynd i siopa pob dydd Mercher!? A sut byddai yn prynu ei hoff dorth o’r becws!? Roedd hyn yn drychineb i Mrs . Jones. Meddyliwch, os byddai’r llywodraeth yn cyhoeddi bod ein harian yn mynd i newid i arian gwahanol!
Felly, fel trefn wythnosol Mrs. Jones, fe aeth i siopa, ar ddydd Mercher - wrth gwrs. Roedd y banc wedi trosglwyddo ei phres i’r arian newydd. Ar y radio, fe ddywedodd y darllenydd bod pob punt (sef yr arian newydd) werth 100 ceiniog. Nid oedd pobl Prydain wedi arfer a hyn. Roeddent wedi arfer a defnyddio swllt, deuswllt a hanner coron! Felly, fe geisiodd Mrs. Jones brynu ei hoff dorth o’r becws. Nid oedd yn dallt o gwbl sut i dalu 10 ceiniog am y dorth!
“O rargol fawr! Sut goblyn dwi am allu deall sut i dalu am y dorth ‘ma! Mae gen i ormod o gywilydd i ofyn i bobl fy helpu! O be wnai!”
Felly, yr eiliad aeth y siopwr i’r cefn i chwilio am fwy o wyau i gwsmer arall yn y siop, fe sleifiodd Mrs. Jones yn ddistaw fel llygoden ar flaenau ei thraed at y silff gyda ei hoff dorth o fara arno. Roedd yr arogl yn arbennig. Nid oes bara gwell yn unman yn ôl Mrs. Jones. Felly, pan doedd neb yn edrych arni, fe gipiodd y bara fel mellten a’i stwffio yn ei phwrs. Doedd neb yn amau dim. Wel, doedd hi ddim yn meddwl beth bynnag.
Yna, fe adawodd y siop a dweud “Twdalw!” wrth y siopwr. Ei chynllun oedd actio’n gyfeillgar i wneud yn siwr bod neb yn amau dim. Ond, tra yn cerdded ar y ffordd yn ôl i’r safle bws, fe ddisgynnodd y dorth o’i bag a glanio yn bendramwnwgl ar y llawr. Erbyn hyn, roedd pawb yn syllu yn syn ar Mrs. Jones.
“LLEIDR! ” Meddai dyn oedd yn y siop. “Wnaeth hi ddim talu am y dorth yna!”
“Nawr nawr, rwy’n siwr bod eglurhad da am hyn. Oes yna?” Meddai merch ysgol oedd yn mynd ar yr un bws a Mrs. Jones. Ei henw oedd Mari.
“Oes … wel …” Aeth Mrs. Jones yn goch at ei chlustiau. “Mae gen i gywilydd i ddweud … tydw i ddim yn deall y system arian newydd sydd wedi cael ei chyflwyno, ac roedd gen i gywilydd i ofyn am help.”
“O peidiwch a phoeni Mrs. Jones! Mi wnawn ni eich helpu i ddysgu sut i dalu am eich torth!” meddai Mari.
“Rydym wedi dysgu am yr arian newydd yn yr ysgol dydd Llun!”
“O diolch o galon i chi! A sori am ddwyn o’r siop, dwi ddim yn gwybod beth ddaeth dros fy mhen i! Wnai byth wneud dim byd fel yna eto.” Dywedodd Mrs. Jones.
Ychydig wedyn, fe ddaeth y ferch am baned a cacen i dŷ Mrs. Jones ac fe ddatblygodd gallu Mrs. Jones i gyfri arian newydd! Daeth y ddwy yn ffrindiau mawr! Roedd Mari yn dod i weld Mrs. Jones bron pob dydd!
Ychydig flynyddoedd wedyn, roedd Mrs. Jones yn hoff iawn o gyfri arian. Roedd Mari wedi ei hysbrydoli, a daeth Mrs Jones yn gyfrifydd arian yn y banc lleol!
Y Diwedd!
Gwenno.
My Life
I hate those dark machines, don't you? The ones you have to squeeze into and then drop down a horrible dark passage until you hit the bottom with a clunk. And you never know how long you'll have to stay there.
Anyway, in case you weren't sure, I am a shilling and I know that because someone called me one; very clever to have a name for a someone like me. But who ever said that should try living in one of those machines; I was just settling cozily, when I was picked up by the sweatiest, smelliest hand ever; oh my, it was putrid. It was damp too and I could not find any dry patches to settle. Luckily though, I slipped down into a kind of soft dark cave, before feeling a cold blast: it had a hole at the bottom. I stared in horror, realising I could fall out very easily now.
Taken out again in the same old sweaty hand (fortunately dry by now) I felt like I was going upwards towards the light; it so bright that I had to squint to see properly. I could feel the boy slowing down and stopping.
This next thing that happened made me disgusted, yes disgusted: I was exchanged for a bar of chocolate. Lost for words, I was then put into a hard metal box that pinged every time it was opened. Shortly after, just as I was trying to take a nap, I was taken out again; I didn't even get to have a rest! So much running around.
I must have been asleep for a while because I had the strangest dreams of being in a vast noisy cavern, with heat and noise. I felt my insides going; as if my very being was dissolved. I thought I saw fire and heard the hiss of steam. When I woke up, I felt somehow different. I looked down at myself. I was a ten pence, a real ten pence. A shiny, bright, silver coin!
You'd think that this would have given me some respect wouldn't you? But no - I was plonked into another pocket, rather nicer smelling this time; I settled down and relaxed.
Suddenly, I had the feeling of falling through space; I hit the curb and bounced onto the side of the road, where I lay dismal and unhappy. The wind whistled sadly over me, sending pieces of rubbish around me in little circles. Wet, abandoned leaves fluttered down around me, like lost ghosts searching for freedom.
Eventually, I felt the vibration of footsteps. I opened my eyes in hope. A kind face gazed down at me. The face of a little girl.
"Dad, is that ten pence?" she asked excitedly.
"Yes, darling it is. Looks pretty new to me."
I looked up mournfully and she picked me up. Her hand had the nicest smell ever. I felt as if I had come home.
Josie.
One Lucky Penny
On a cloudy, gloomy, grey day in London, Michael Brown was on his way to NOEL's sweet shop. Though what Michael had forgotten is that the money had changed: it was D-day.
"May I have four cherry bonbons please?" asked Michael. "That's four new pence Sonny" replied the shopkeeper. Michael just stood for a bit, looking very confused. "Is a Shilling still okay?" "Give it 'ere" smiled the shopkeeper handing him a little paper bag containing bonbons "Here's your Penny change".
Michael rushed out of the shop looking amazed, as if he was holding a little block of gold. It felt so small in his hands he did not dare to let it go, not like the Big Old Penny at all. He clutched it tight and ran straight home, eager to collect more of these so-called "New Pennies". He grabbed his piggy bank, emptied out the old coins and took them to the bank trade.
On the way he wondered what had happened to all the other old coins...
"Whoosh!" went the old shillings and pennies down the shoot at the Royal Mint. "Whoa, isn't it hot in here?" asked an Old Penny. "Your pocket is very warm...wait a second!" The Old Penny sniffed the air, "I see no holes, or sweet wrappers. Oh no!" she realised "It's not a pocket at all, but a furnace! Thankfully she heard, "Maaaaaark, its break time." and Gertrude, you don't want to get that dress stained, let's eat at the table". The Old Penny sighed, "Phew, the perfect time to escape!" The conveyer belt stopped, the furnace turned off and the door opened.
"Ok" said the Old Penny, looking at the side of the furnace. She was a thick, metal tube saying in bright, gold writing 'THE SUC-O-MATIC' with a button below labelled 'SUCK'. On pressing it, a great force pulled like a magnet.
A short tube ride later, she fell out onto a sorting machine. Carefully, she tipped across the brass dented surface, trying not to step on the BIG, RED BUTTON! Noticing a large, bearded man returning, the Old Penny dropped before he could see her...landing on the BIG RED BUTTON! "Oh no" thought the Old Penny as she whirled around then was spat out right where she had begun, with the furnace fired up again. By the time the Old Penny came out the other side she was nothing but 'hot goo!'
The Penny, I mean goo, looked down at herself and thought "Oh what's the use?" Suddenly, she felt a squishing and squashing, then everything went dark. Eventually, she woke up and looked at herself again. Would you believe it, she was a brand-New Penny, gleaming! "Whoa, look at me I'm so shiny and I feel so fresh!"
And do you know who received that New Penny? A little boy we know, called Michael Brown.
Though Penny's adventure didn't end there, she got to see so much, visiting nearly every shop across London and beyond!
Isabella.
The Money Mates
One day, Grace's Mum approached her bedroom and slowly sat on her bed, looking anxious.
"I've got some news," said Mum.
"What is wrong?" Grace said quietly.
We are moving to the countryside. It is better for us; we have bought a house near the coast."
A few weeks later, it was the last day of living in the city for Grace, the last day of seeing the rest of her family and friends. They had a send-off party, but Grace stayed in her room, counted all the money she had, hoping to try coming back but it wasn't enough. Her friends Daisy and Lowri came to her room and said, "Goodbye, we will mis you" She did not say anything, she stood outside. Her mum saw her and whispered, "Go pick your bedroom darling."
Grace hurried up the long stairs. At the top she found a chest. There was a key in the lock. It turned slowly as Grace opened it. Then the lid flew open and coins flew everywhere. Her mum walked up the stairs and saw Grace with money in her hands: she was amazed and curious.
"Where did you get that money?" said mum
"Well, it was just here in this chest" said Grace softly. Grace was exhausted after her busy day so she picked a bedroom and slowly fell asleep.
She awoke feeling optimistic, thinking she would have the best day ever. Her new school were going to The Royal Mint to find out about money. The class soon arrived at The Mint, where they saw all kinds of money being made, Grace was amazed with all the shiny new decimal coins being made.
Then an expert came and said, "Come with me. I'll show you the real part of the factory."
Grace asked what all the notes and money were called. She had so many questions for the expert. She thought that the man was smart and amazing. He led her slowly through the hallways of the Royal Mint. First, he showed Grace all the new decimal coins: shiny silver twenties and tens and warm copper pennies, and many more being made every day. She took some of her money from her chest that she found and showed it to him.
"That's the money that was first made, old coins that have been replaced by our new decimal money.
That was the day where Grace first learnt about the beauty of money. She treasured it, and was inspired by her visit. So inspired that Grace grew up to be manager of The Royal Mint, where she devoted her life to the new decimal coins.
Menna.
The Secret Diary of a Machine
Dear diary,
Today I went into the factory to be rebuilt because the new coins that have been made are different than what I am used to. I overheard that I was not "good" enough anymore, I miss having shillings now. I can only take 50p 10p 5p 2p and 1p. I'll really miss seeing my old coin buddies. I hope they are able to stay safe.
Day 2
I'm leaving for London now. I'll be writing again in a few hours...5 hours later...I'm back in London with my owner Charlotte - she is a lovely human owner. She is so kind and really appreciates that I'm able to swallow up the new coins. It's amazing we have a new shop. I met some coins. They were really nice. I think they were a 5p and a 10p but they moved a lot! They rattled around me. I'm still not used to all of these new coins.
Day 3
We sold most stuff today and I'm full of money, and I think I'm going to burst! And it's Black Friday soon and I'm going to be emptied so that's good and I will meet new coins and notes.
Day 4
Today we sold a lot more than usual and it was amazing we were packed full of customers and Charlotte and I were so happy. I'm so pleased to see her so happy. I still miss my old friends though. I wonder what they are up to.
Day 5
Today a brand-new machine arrived at the shop. I was a little nervous at first, but we got on so well. It is cool that me and my new friend are able to work together. I'm sure we will always have fun!
Day 6
Today a homeless man came to the shop with nothing so I opened my drawer and gave the man a new coin. Charlotte gave him a cup of tea and a sandwich and he said "oh thank you!" Charlotte just smiled then the man left. I think we made his day.
Day 7
I still miss my old friends the shillings.
Day 8
Dear diary. Today something amazing happened. A brand new 10p coin was entered into my machine. A strange voice said to me "I recognise you". It was Sammy Shilling. It turned out that she had been melted down in a place called the Royal Mint. She told me that all of the old coins were melted down and made into new ones. I'm so pleased that all my old friends are safe and well. We chatted for hours about all of their exciting new adventures. I can't wait until tomorrow...
Freya.
