PANDEMIC RECOVERY

'What’s that in old money’: Remembering decimalisation reminiscence box project

Throughout 2021 the Royal Mint Museum has run a number of projects and events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of decimalisation, writes Abigail Kenvyn, Royal Mint Museum. A key element was to challenge ourselves to create meaningful and innovative events for a range of audiences, despite the restrictions of the pandemic.

Firstly, we wanted to interact with some of those most affected by the national lockdown. We knew, from first-hand experience, that holding and chatting about pre-decimal coins could be a positive and nostalgic experience for those who lived through the changeover, so working with care home residents seemed a good fit.

Although we were unable to visit in person, we sought to use our collection to promote health and wellbeing amongst care home residents resulting in the creation of digital reminiscence boxes that care homes could borrow free of charge.