Coining It: Curious Sayings, Sparkling Stories & the Legacy of British Money Language
Language, like coinage, is shaped by time. Over centuries, silver and gold have jingled not just in purses, but in everyday speech — giving rise to sayings that still ring true today. From Tudor treasuries to Victorian counting houses, coins have spun their way into idioms and expressions that shine with character, charm and sometimes a cheeky wink.
Here at Prenoa, where coins and stories entwine like ivy on an old garden wall, we’re celebrating the quirkiest, cleverest and most enduring coin-inspired sayings — and the surprising truths behind them.
"To Be Worth One’s Weight in Gold"
✨ Meaning: Extremely valuable or precious
💡 Origin: This golden phrase dates back to ancient times when gold was not just a currency, but a measure of a person’s true worth. Roman emperors would reward warriors with their weight in gold — literally. Today, it’s used for anything (or anyone) truly priceless — like a cherished sovereign, or perhaps your gran’s Sunday roast.
"Pennies from Heaven"
✨ Meaning: Unexpected good fortune or financial blessing
💡 Origin: Popularised by the 1936 Bing Crosby song, this saying evokes the image of luck falling gently from above. But its roots run deeper — in times when even a single penny meant the difference between comfort and hardship. A phrase that reminds us that small things, like coins, can carry big blessings.
"Not Worth a Farthing"
✨ Meaning: Of little or no value
💡 Origin: The farthing was once the tiniest coin in British currency — a quarter of a penny. Though now out of circulation, its legacy lives on in this humble expression, often used to cast a gentle dismissal or to downplay fuss. A lovely example of how old coins still echo in our everyday talk.
"Two Penn’orth" or "Put in My Two Pence"
✨ Meaning: To share an opinion, often uninvited
💡 Origin: This delightfully British turn of phrase comes from the Victorian era, when two pence was considered a token amount — just enough to get a word in. We like to think of it as democratic coinage: everyone gets their say, no matter the weight of their wallet.
"To Coin a Phrase"
✨ Meaning: To invent a new expression or turn of speech
💡 Origin: This phrase itself is minted from the very act of creating — much like striking a new coin from a blank planchet. It first appeared in the 16th century, when printing presses were blossoming and language was experiencing a golden age of invention. Shakespeare himself “coined” hundreds of phrases — talk about linguistic currency!
"Cash in One’s Chips"
✨ Meaning: To quit, give up, or pass away
💡 Origin: Borrowed from the gaming tables, where chips stand in for currency, this idiom reflects the idea of cashing out — whether from a game or, more solemnly, from life itself. Though American in origin, it’s found a comfortable spot in British slang, like a well-worn sixpence in your coat pocket.
From Words to Wares: The Art of Coin-Inspired Living
At Prenoa, we believe every coin — and every saying- is important to preserve our history and share it with each new generation. Whether you’re drawn to coins for their glinting beauty, their history, or their heart, these expressions connect us all to a shared feeling of value, voice and vernacular.
So next time you “pinch a penny” or “feel minted,” remember: the language of coins is richer than gold — and just as enduring.
Explore our handpicked coin collections, jewellery with soul, and gifts that honour the old ways. Because some treasures don’t just shine — they speak.