It's not too hard to tell the difference between different UK coins if you have a sight problem, but paper money can seem to be another matter altogether. That needn't be the case anymore.
Note gauges
Firstly, you could ask your bank for a note gauge. Rosalie Visick had this to share: "Barclays provides a single piece of plastic which has a narrow 'ledge' at the back against which notes can be held. It is dark blue and has the denominations marked in a paler blue and braille. Lloyds TSB produces a black gauge marked with clear white denomination figures into which notes can be slotted."
Note checker
We can also sell you a note checker. It works by simply inserting the note, lengthways, until it fits into the checker. There are "steps" on the other end of the checker which, when a note is lined up, will indicate the value of that note. The steps are ordered to identify £5, £10, £20 and £50. Also contained in the wallet is a useful signature guide for when you are signing forms and documents. Priced £1.35 (ex VAT) and £1.62 (inc VAT).
Note detector
A more hi-tech solution is a bank note detector. We now sell a small, discreet and easy-to-use device to help you identify different notes, with a unique vibration for each denomination. It will detect the £5 from your £10, £20 and £50. There is a version to identify Euros as well as Sterling. Priced at £19.95 (ex VAT) and £23.94 (inc VAT).
As an alternative, the Austrian company Caretec, have produced a simple gadget, the Cash Test, to help you recognise the value of euro notes and coins. You can buy the Cash Test online (price €3) or email your order to office@caretec.at
Using your fingers
But, if you don't want to drag out a note gauge every time you need to pay for something, perhaps "The Arthur Pearson method" is for you.
Simply slide the note between your first and second finger. The ten pound note will be the same length as the first finger, the five pound will be shorter, and the twenty pound longer. Obviously not everyone has the same length fingers, but with a little experimentation you can find what is right for you. The big problem may be ensuring that you have a £5, £10 and £20 note for comparison all at the same time!
Coin holder
To keep your pound coins handy, why not try a coin holder? We have designed and developed a pocket-sized plastic holder which takes up to five £1 or one Euro coins. The
£1/€1 coin holder costs £1.15 (ex VAT) and £1.38 (inc VAT).