A Beginner’s Guide to Exchanging Pre‑Euro and Obsolete Coins for Cash in the UK

Got Old European Coins in a Drawer?

Before the Euro was introduced, European travellers came home with coins and banknotes from dozens of now-retired currencies—French Francs, German Marks, Italian Lire, and more. Today, many of these pre-Euro and obsolete currencies are no longer accepted by banks or travel money providers.

But here’s the good news: even though these coins are out of circulation, they still hold value—and you can still exchange foreign coins for cash in the UK.

This guide will help you understand what pre-Euro and obsolete coins are, which ones can be exchanged, and how to get started.

What Are Pre‑Euro and Obsolete Coins?

Pre-Euro coins refer to the currencies that were used across Europe before the introduction of the Euro in 2002. These include:

• German Deutsche Marks (DEM)

• French Francs (FRF)

• Spanish Pesetas (ESP)

• Italian Lire (ITL)

• Dutch Guilders (NLG)

• Belgian Francs (BEF)

• Irish Pounds (IEP)

Obsolete coins are any coins that are no longer in circulation. This could include:

• Currencies that were replaced by the Euro

• Withdrawn coins and notes from other countries

• Old British or Irish decimal coins

• Banknotes from former currencies (e.g. Yugoslav Dinar, Slovenian Tolar)

While most banks and post offices no longer accept these currencies, there are still ways to turn them into spendable money.

Why Banks Won’t Accept Them

Most high street banks and currency exchange counters in the UK no longer process pre-Euro or obsolete currency. Even if you have notes in pristine condition, they will typically refuse them because:

• The currency has been demonetised

• It no longer has legal tender status

• Coins are heavy, costly to process, and not accepted by central banks

This doesn’t mean your coins are worthless. You just need the right service to handle them.

The Best Way to Exchange Obsolete and Pre-Euro Coins

The most efficient and reliable way to exchange these old coins is by using a specialist currency exchange service, like Cash4Coins.

Cash4Coins accepts pre-Euro coins, obsolete notes, and even damaged or worn currency from around the world.

How it works:

1. Weigh and package your currency

2. Send it via post or arrange for a courier collection

3. Receive a valuation and payment straight into your account

There’s no need to sort or count anything—they do it all for you.

Which Coins and Notes Can Be Exchanged?

You might be surprised by how many obsolete coins and notes are still accepted by Cash4Coins. These include:

• Pre-Euro coins and banknotes from France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Finland, and Greece

• Old European currencies like the Austrian Schilling, Portuguese Escudo, and Finnish Markka

• Obsolete UK and Irish coins and notes (e.g. old £1 notes, Irish punts)

• Damaged or worn notes

• Foreign coins that are no longer accepted by banks

Even if a currency has been withdrawn for decades, there’s often still a market for it, either through repatriation, bulk resale or metal value.

How Much Are Pre-Euro Coins Worth?

The value of your coins depends on several factors:

• Currency type and condition

• Weight and volume of coins

• Current demand and scrap value

• Exchange or resale rates

As a rough guide, even a small bag of mixed coins could be worth £10–£50 or more. Larger amounts can add up quickly, especially if you’ve collected them over the years or inherited them.

If your coins include higher denomination pre-Euro banknotes (like 100 French Francs or 500 Deutsche Marks), these can still be quite valuable even after demonetisation.

What About Collectable or Rare Coins?

Some obsolete coins are now considered collectables. These include:

• First-year editions of Euro-zone currencies

• Unusual mintings or commemorative coins

• Pre-Euro notes in excellent condition

If you think you have a rare item, it might be worth researching its value online or speaking to a coin dealer. However, for the vast majority of old coins, using a bulk exchange service is the easiest and fastest way to unlock their value.

Where Can You Exchange Pre-Euro Coins in the UK?

There are very few physical locations that accept obsolete currency. Services like the Post Office and exchange bureaus will turn you away.

Cash4Coins offers a postal exchange service that accepts coins and notes from all over the UK. You can:

• Use their post service for small amounts

• Arrange courier collection for over 5kg of currency

• Choose your preferred payment method (bank transfer, cheque, or charity donation)

It’s fast, secure, and completely hassle-free.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Old Currency Go to Waste

If you’ve ever returned from a holiday in the 90s or early 2000s, chances are you still have some pre-Euro coins or obsolete notes lying around. These items might not be usable at your bank, but that doesn’t mean they’re worthless.

With the right service, you can easily convert them into cash, charity donations, or even gifts for someone else.

It’s simple, it’s sustainable, and it could clear out that drawer once and for all.

Ready to Exchange?

Click below to exchange your old coins and notes with the UK’s trusted service:

Or visit Cash4Coins to learn more about acceptable currencies and how the process works.