💷 What does Legal Tender mean?Updated 13 days ago

The term legal tender has a very specific and technical meaning when it comes to settling debts. In simple terms, it means that if someone owes money and offers to pay in legal tender, that payment must be accepted in court — and the debtor cannot be successfully sued for non‑payment.

In practice, this doesn’t mean that every coin marked as legal tender can be spent in shops or deposited at the bank. For example, The Royal Mint produces silver UK coins in special denominations such as £5, £20, £50, and £100, which are indeed approved as legal tender. However, these coins are designed as limited‑edition collectibles or gifts, not for everyday spending.

Because of this, UK shops and banks are very unlikely to accept them over the counter. Their true value lies in their design, collectability, and precious metal content — not their face value for daily transactions.

💡 Collector’s tip: Treat these coins like treasures rather than spending money. Keeping them in their original packaging and condition will help preserve their value and appeal over time.