Crossing our Palms with Silver The Royal Mint Museum

With a memory box provided by The Royal Mint Museum, we explored the rich history of British currency

As the saying goes, money makes the world go around! We've been fortunate to borrow one of the Royal Mint's Reminiscence Boxes - completely free of charge! This thoughtful memory project is designed to help those in care home or day care settings, reconnect with their past through the handling of old coinage.

By exploring old currency, the project encourages recalling cherished moments - whether paying for a donkey ride on holiday, or saving pennies in a piggy bank for a rainy day. It's a great way to spark memories and share stories which link currency and life events.

This wonderful box contains twelve carefully selected items, including an electronic audio box, pre-decimal coins, a 1953 Coronation Crown, a miniature 'Shove Ha'penny Board (ah the days before computer games!), a medal, and many other items steeped in history.

Each item is microchipped, and when placed on the audio box, it plays an audible story, bringing the rich history of each piece to life for each resident.

The Inspirational Value

Alice, our Activities Coordinator, found that the box sparked many wonderful memories and was enjoyed by all the residents who took part. Inspired by this, she extended the project by inviting residents to design their own fifty pence pieces - each one portrayed as a monarch (apologies to the Crown, but we are sure they would appreciate the creativity!).

On the flip side of each coin, residents chose and image representing a cherished memory. Dogs and flowers were popular choices, but Freda's decision to feature fish and chips as her perfect memory brought many smiles.

Each coin was as unique as the person who created it -truly a perfect tribute to individual stories and memories.

A Generous Thought

Many thanks to The Royal Mint Museum for generously providing The Old Vicarage Allithwaite with this wonderful project which made for a very rich experience for all who participated.

For information about this project, please visit https://www.royalmintmuseum.org.uk/collection/borrowabox/