(28 Mar 2017, 12:56 pm)Andreos1 wrote I have no idea what the net cost will be.
It may be that these vending companies see some savings as a result. People won’t be able to buy snacks or pay (intentionally or not)  for parking with a decent fake £1 coin in the future.

I wonder how much these companies save in that aspect?

Some supermarkets have said that their trolleys are already suitable for the new coin.

Ah lockers! Forgot all about them.
It is a right pain being ready for the gym or swimming and having a dodgy £1 rejected cos it is a fake.
Having to rake through the bag for an alternative or go to the reception desk, whilst in my Speedo’s isn't a pleasant experience – for me or anyone unfortunate enough to witness it.

However, to get back to your initial point. Will the economy see a benefit of this change? Artificial stimulus like this, has the potential to increase employment in addition to any contracts agreed by businesses to replace or upgrade the equipment. The fake coins may also have an effect on inflation, with more currency floating around. Will we actually see a decrease in inflation as a result of the new coins? It is well known that ‘enemies’ can flood their warring opponent with fake money in an effect to de-stabilise the economy.
The dates we see changes to currency seem to coincide with times of austerity. Looking at the economy in the 70's when we introduced decimalisation, the 80's when the £1 was introduced and 1/2p was taken from us. The changes in the early 90's to the 5p...
Quite a lot more to it than just ‘cosmetics’.