There is a strong chance that we can bring Puffin money back to Lundy. The Bank of England is asking the public to VOTE to help shape the next generation of UK banknotes, and for the first time the designs celebrate Britain’s wildlife and nature rather than historical figures.
Among the shortlist of animals being considered is a familiar favourite to anyone who knows and loves Lundy: the Puffin.
For Lundy, this is more than just a bird on a banknote. It is a chance to revive a fascinating piece of island history.
When Lundy Had Its Own Currency
In 1929, the owner of Lundy, Martin Coles Harman, began work creating its own coinage.
The Lundy One Puffin and Half Puffin coins were struck in copper and designed to circulate alongside sterling on the island. One side featured a puffin, while the other carried the head of Martin Coles Harman himself. His ambitious plan was to produce 500,000 coins of each denomination.
According to reports in The Star newspaper in February 1930:
“The coins circulate freely on the island. The workmen are paid in puffins, groceries are bought for so many puffins a pound and debts are settled in puffins.”
For a brief period, the Puffin was real currency on Lundy.
A Coin That Caused a Stir
The new coinage quickly attracted attention beyond the island.
Police officers from Devon reportedly visited Lundy after learning that the coins were circulating in the island stores alongside Imperial currency. There were many questions about whether they could legally be used as currency.
Collectors and souvenir hunters were also eager to get their hands on the unusual coins, and specimens soon began finding their way to the mainland.
In April 1930, the matter reached the Bideford Magistrates’ Court. Martin Coles Harman challenged the case, but the court ultimately found against him. He was fined £5 and ordered to pay fifteen guineas in costs – equivalent to around £1,760 in today’s money.
Being a businessman, Harman quickly recognised another opportunity. The coins became sought-after souvenirs, helping to turn the controversy into a successful enterprise.
Puffins Still Live On
Today, Puffin coins remain highly collectable.
Before I came to the Island my dad, who was a member of the Burnley and District Numismatic Society, bought me several Puffin coins from eBay, and I still have them safely tucked away under my bed. You can still purchase coins from the Lundy Shop – although there is a finite amount.
Visitors often ask in the Tavern or Shop whether we accept cash on Lundy? The answer, of course, is yes. But imagine if Martin Coles Harman’s vision had fully succeeded.
Imagine arriving on Lundy and exchanging your money for Puffins.
Imagine paying your Tavern tab in Puffins.
Imagine buying your groceries in Puffins.
For a brief moment in history, that was exactly what happened.
Let’s Bring the Puffin Back
Now we have an opportunity to bring the Puffin back onto British currency, this time on a national scale.
The Bank of England has shortlisted a range of native wildlife species, including seals, salmon, dragonflies, pine martens, barn owls and puffins, to appear on future banknotes.
Each note will feature a different species, celebrating the UK’s rich biodiversity while creating distinctive and secure designs for the next generation of banknotes.
Voting closes on 3 July, so there is not much time left.
For those of us who love Lundy, the choice seems obvious.
The Puffin has already appeared on money once before.
Let’s give it a chance to do so again.
Cast your vote Here – Vote for the Puffin.
References
Langham, A., (2016). The Island king: A biography of Martin Coles Harman, overlord of Lundy. Bideford, England: Lundy Field Society.
Help us celebrate the UK’s wildlife (no date). [Online]. Available at https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/help-us-design-our-next-series-of-banknotes. [Accessed on 25/06/2026]
Puffin Image courtesy of Paul Dean (taken using a long lens to protect the Puffins!)