A REDDITCH man is urging shoppers to check their change after being handed a fake 50p piece.
Derek Ryder had gone shopping in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre in Redditch at the weekend and like many people, had simply pocketed the coins when handed change.
It was only when he got back to his Batchley home and sorted through the coins that he spotted the fake.
“I thought, ‘what on earth is that? At first glance it looks realistic but up close you can see it’s a fairly clumsy copy,” said Derek.
The coin is slightly smaller than a normal 50p and quite a bit thinner.
Dated 1997, the edges are badly chipped and marked and the coin is lighter than the legal tender 50p.
“It wouldn’t work in a coin machine but when handed over with other change how many people would notice?” said Derek.
“I urge everyone to please check their change in the shop before putting it in their pocket or purse.”
Derek has since handed the coin in to Redditch Police station.
