Egypt will introduce a new 2-pound coin to improve availability of small change
Authorities will upgrade existing coins, especially the 1-pound coin
New materials will reduce production costs and limit illegal melting
Shortages of small denominations have disrupted transport and daily transactions
The move aims to stabilize coin supply in high-traffic areas
Egypt moves to fix small change shortages
Egypt will introduce a new 2-pound coin into circulation as part of a broader effort to ease everyday transactions and address shortages of small denominations.
The Public Treasury and Mint Authority confirmed the plan on April 6, stating that the move will increase coin availability in the market and improve access to change, particularly in densely populated areas where cash transactions remain frequent.
Redesign and cost efficiency at the core
Authorities will also upgrade existing coins, with a focus on improving the specifications of the 1-pound coin. The redesign will enhance durability and quality while reducing production costs.
Officials plan to use more cost-effective raw materials that better match the coin’s value. This step aims to discourage illegal melting and resale of coins, a practice that has affected supply in recent years.
Gamal Hussein, head of the authority, said the changes aim to balance economic and technical considerations in coin production while improving efficiency across denominations.
Why the change matters
Egypt has faced persistent shortages of small coins, which have disrupted daily transactions and public transport systems.
In late 2025, the National Authority for Tunnels reported a daily shortfall of about 300,000 Egyptian pounds in small denominations. The shortage contributed to a metro fare increase from 8 to 10 pounds and pushed authorities to expand electronic payment options on some lines.
Rising operating costs, including fuel and electricity prices, have added further pressure on transport systems and pricing.
Key objectives behind the new coin
The introduction of the 2-pound coin aims to:
Increase the supply of small denominations
Improve access to change in high-volume areas
Reduce reliance on lower-value coins
Lower minting costs through material optimization
Limit illegal melting and circulation distortions
Part of broader currency modernization
The move follows recent updates to Egypt’s currency system. The Central Bank of Egypt introduced polymer banknotes, including the 20-pound note in 2023 after launching the 10-pound version in 2022.
Authorities now aim to modernize both paper and coin currency while maintaining stability in daily transactions.
