Sterling effort by young Cradlehall coin collector
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
KIND-hearted shopkeepers are helping an Inverness youngster with her coin collecting hobby by setting aside specially-minted versions of 50p and £2 coins produced to commemorate historic occasions.
A Girl Guides centenary 50p sparked the interest of Cradlehall Primary’s Isla Macdonald, who now has 40 special 50p coins and 30 differently designed £2 coins.
Her father Simon helped her to research the first coin and she began keeping an eye out for others which are unusual and collectable.
By the end of her first day as a member of a coin collection club called Change Checker she had found three more, and was hooked.
Her mother Luisa said: “The local shopkeepers now keep aside any special coins for Isla as she always asks for them in her change. This interest has become infectious, with her family and even family friends now actively looking out for coins for her collection.
“Isla has been covering World War I in school and was delighted to take in the First World War £2 coin to show her teacher and the class. She will not spend any of her special coins, but will help others who are starting out by swapping any doubles she has for normal coins.”
Isla’s coin collection includes several rare items, including one marking the Commonwealth Games in England, London Underground and Paddington Bear.
Like her fellow collectors, she is keeping a sharp eye out for Kew Gardens which remains the most scarce 50p coin currently in circulation.
