Commemorative coin circulation (FOI)

Request

I would like to ask why no commemorative coins get released for circulation in Jersey. When you look at the likes of the Isle of Man, Gibraltar, Falkland Islands and even Guernsey there has been several commemorative coins which have been released for circulation, all seem to be just made for BUNC here nowadays. The last circulating Jersey coins were made in 2016, I understand in recent years that there is less demand for cash but to not have released any coins for circulation in 8 years seems crazy. As said on your government website it is important to show off parts of the islands history and special occasions through coinage, however it seems like its turned into a money making game where coins have to be purchased for upwards of £7 per 50p on the Westminster website, whereas even releasing small numbers of each design into circulation e.g. Mintages of less than 10000, would still provide an interest within the island to collect coins when finding them in change. As said the Isle of Man roughly has a population 20,000 less than Jersey and they seem to be releasing a never ending number of coins into circulation so I can't see how there would be no demand for new coins. Even just changing the designs of the definitive coins e.g. The Grosnez castle on the 50p which has been the same design since 1983 would provide some excitement to coin collecting on the island. I look forward to hearing your reply, Many Thanks

Response

The Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 gives a right to request information that is held in recorded form, unless exempt.  

This request poses a question rather than seeking information held in recorded form. Article 3 of the Freedom of Information Law therefore applies. 

However, to give some context on the issuance of circulation coins, minting coins can be a significant expense to the Island given the high minimum order values required to make circulation coins affordable. The face value of coins, and of low denomination coins, may be below the cost of minting. Jersey holds a significant stock of circulation coins to seek best value for money for the public, and given current levels of demand these coins remain sufficient to meet anticipated demand for the immediate future. 

​The Government of Jersey acknowledges the desirability for special interest coins to meet the interest of numismatists and to showcase the Islands unique history, we seek to do this through The Westminster Collection. A range of commemorative coins are issued annually to meet demand from collectors; however these coins are minted in small batches, which corresponds to the significantly high purchase costs. 

Due consideration for future designs of coins will take place alongside the commission of new family of Notes, although contingencies are in place, this is not currently planned to occur until existing stocks reduce to levels necessitating replacement. 

Article applied 

Article 3 - Meaning of “information held by a public authority”

For the purposes of this Law, information is held by a public authority if –

(a)     it is held by the authority, otherwise than on behalf of another person; or

(b)     it is held by another person on behalf of the authority.