Coin values

Why do coins have different values?

Coins have different values so you can buy items that cost different amounts.

The value of the coin is how much it is worth.

You also need different value coins so you can get change if you don’t have the exact money.

Quiz: Coin values

Why not see how much you know about this topic already? Then complete the guide and see if you can beat your score.

What are the different value coins?

There are eight different value coins that you can use.

You know their value because each coin is labelled. Can you see the label?

These coins are labelled 2p and 50p.

The ‘p’ means pennies or pence.

The value of these coins is 2 pence and 50 pence.

£1 is the symbol for one pound.

The £1 coin is worth 100 pennies or pence.

It is easier to carry around one coin than one hundred pennies. It is much quicker to use in shops too.

The £2 coin is worth 200 pennies. It is the coin with the most value.

There is not a coin for every amount. For example, there is no 3p coin or 4p coin.

We use the eight coins, and the notes, to make up every amount.

Combining coins to make a value

Let's use different coins to make a value.

These apples cost 11p each and you have some coins in your pocket.

Do we have an 11p coin?

There is not an 11p coin, so you need to make 11p by combining coins.

How can you make 11p using the coins above.

You can use the 1p coin and the 10p coin to make 11p.

10p + 1p = 11p

Counting coins

We need to count our coins to see how much money we have.

Each coin has its value on it, so we use that to find the total.

Look at these 6 coins.

The value of each coin is 2p. All the coins are 2p, so you can count up in 2s.

2p, 4p, 6p, 8p, 10p, 12p

There is 12p altogether.

You can also use the two times tables to help. There are six 2p coins.

6 × 2p = 12p

Example 1

These carrots cost 7p each.

Example 2