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The last chance to get rid of your old pound coins is just around the corner, as the final day you can splash the cash is on Saturday (October 15).

However, if you do find yourself with a stash of old £1 coins after the circulation deadline, all is not lost - hang onto them until next month and put them to good use.

Throughout the Poppy Appeal in November, the Royal British Legion will be accepting the expired currency from those wanting to donate and buy a poppy.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people buy poppies across the nation to help support the vital work the Royal British Legion does for the Armed Forces community.

Members of the public wear the paper flower on their chest as a symbol to remember the fallen service men and women who have died in conflict.

A spokesman for Sussex Royal British Legion posted on Facebook: “A quick reminder: The old £1 coins go out of circulation on October 15, but the Poppy Appeal can accept them during November.”

(Image: PA)

The new 12-sided one pound coin was released into the hands of the public on March 28 and was initially introduced in the hope counterfeits would be reduced.

Chief secretary to the Treasury David Gauke spoke when the coins were first introduced and said it was a “historic moment”.

“It's the first time we've introduced a new £1 coin since 1983, and this one will be harder to counterfeit than ever before," he said.

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

"Our message is clear: if you have a round one pound coin sitting at home or in your wallet, you need to spend it or return it to your bank before October 15."

For a limited period after the deadline, old £1 coins can also be deposited at the Post Office and into bank accounts.

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