How do I spend a five pound coin?

Answer 1

Despite being fully legal tender the five pound coin (crown) will often be refused in shops simply because it is not commonly seen in circulation. The reason for this is that though coin is of a standard size and weight it has no standard face designs, the coins are always of a commemorative nature and so are often kept away in private collections.

There is no way to force an individual to accept any form of payment, including legal tender. Transactions in the UK are always a mutual agreement between two parties.

The Post Office have stated that they are happy to receive the coin as payment for goods and services. A bank should also be able to exchange the coin for change or a banknote, or you can deposit it into an account.

However it is recommended that you keep hold of the coin, and if you really want to get rid of it. Selling the coin to a collector will get you more than the face value.