You’d never believe just how much a quid could get you about 40 years ago. Now one coin collector listed the prices back in the 80s and it’s rather eye-opening…
We all know just how crippling the cost of living crisis has been. Although inflation has eased significantly since the coronavirus days, prices for food, energy and housing still remain sky-high.
As a result of the financial problems in the UK, nearly two-thirds of Brits are still forced to cut back on essentials like food and heating. Meanwhile, almost half of the nation holding less than £25 in spare cash at the end of the week. We all know how different life was back in the 80s, think hairstyles, fashion and even how much money was worth back then. Now one coin collector revealed just how much £1 could get you 40 years ago.
In a post with his 37,000 followers on Instagram, the @CoinCollectingWizard began: “What would a £1 coin buy you 40 years ago?”
He said: “With a pound in 1985 you could walk into a shop and leave with a loaf of bread, a pint of milk, a chocolate bar and a bag of crisps.
“A cinema ticket around 90p, you could watch Back To The Future in the actual past. Petrol was about 44p a litre, £1 got you over two litres, enough to cruise your Ford Escort to the chippy and back.”
Meanwhile a pint of beer back then was about 70p, while a cassette of your favourite artist would have cost 99p. Comic book fans are looking at 25p for a copy of their favourite tales.
The coin collector added: “Your favourite games, such as marbles or Jacks all under £1. If you needed a good wash, then you could buy some soap, bubble bath and deodorant all for under £1.
“Calling your mate? A local phone call was just 10p. 1985 when a pound actually meant something.”
What can £1 get you in 2026?
Snacks and drinks: You can grab a standard single chocolate bar, small bag of sweets or 500ml bottle of water in a supermarket costs less than a quid.
Grocery staples: Thankfully, some fruit and veg is still under the £1 mark. You can get a single medium avocado, two pints of semi-skimmed milk or a 4-pack of basic toilet rolls.
Household essentials: When it comes to household items, you can buy a bottle of washing up liquid, a standard bar of soap or stationary items like a pen or notepad.
Services: You can get a digital app, audiobook or e-book reservation at your local library or a charitable donation.
There are certain retailers which will help you stretch your money further, like Poundland, Home Bargains and B&M.
