THE new 12-sided £1 coins were rolled out across the country yesterday marking the first change to our coins in more than 30 years.

Only certain places in Swindon were doling them out to the public and Nationwide in Pipers Way was one of them.

The coins are gradually being introduced into circulation and it is expected that most shops and businesses in Swindon will be able to get hold of them within the next few weeks.

Dan King, Nationwide’s head of current accounts, said: “Changes in British coinage are few and far between. Though we have until October to clear out those round pounds languishing in piggy banks, change pots and down the back of Britain’s sofas, we may be pleasantly surprised to find just how much we have squirrelled away over the years.

“We’d suggest taking them into your local branch in plenty of time to provide a welcome boost to your balance, or contributing to a regular savings habit as even small amounts can mount up.”

The old coins will stop being legal tender from October 15, 2017.

The new coin features a hidden high-security device built into it to protect it from being illegally copied, but the details haven’t been made public.