Spend your change
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A Large Stock of Unused Coins
Our country is facing a problem with the circulation of coins. Although large quantities are issued, an important part of these coins remains unused or inactive.
There are currently more than 4.2 billion coins in Belgium, which means 364 coins per Belgian citizen. This represents a colossal value of more than 1.5 billion Euro. Aligned, they could circle the Earth more than twice.
In spite of these large quantities of coins in circulation, some Belgian retailers are finding it difficult to keep sufficient stocks in order to give change to customers making cash purchases.
All this because a large quantity of these coins remains unused in every home. They can be found in your pockets, your wallet, the children's piggy bank, under the sofa or hidden in a drawer.
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A few figures on coins
- Around 212 million of the coins in circulation are dormant, i.e. unused.
- In October 2023, the Royal Mint of Belgium ordered 33.5 million new coins just to meet demand.
- By re-using only 2% of coins in circulation, we could save over 5 million Euro in production costs per year.
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5 good reasons to use your small change
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- Avoiding significant financial costs. Ordering new coins represents a major expense for the Belgian State. By re-using only 2% of dormant coins, we could save over 5 million Euro in production costs per year.
- Reducing the environmental impact of production of coins. Raw materials are sourced from foreign regions and large quantities of CO2 are produced throughout the manufacturing and transport process of coins.
- Helping your retailers out, who are often short of coins.
- Making a donation. There are also many associations that collect coins for charity.
- Getting a treat for yourself. You have more coins at home than you think. These coins are valuable.
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Would you like to exchange your small change?
You can exchange your coins for notes at banks, or free of charge at the National Bank of Belgium. -
#Spendyourchange
In July 2024, the General Administration of the Treasury launched its new awareness campaign #jutilisemespièces. Through this campaign, we are encouraging every citizen to use their stock of coins. The aim is to boost coin circulation and therefore stimulate the Belgian economy.
Don't miss our campaign being featured in a “ Minute Fédérale “ video :
You can also watch our video on our social media. We invite you to share our content and spread our message around you. Together, let's breathe a second life into our coins – let’s use them!