Why charities wouldn’t miss copper coins

SIR – As someone who regularly counts the contents of charity collecting tins, I think the cost to charities of doing away with coppers has been overstated (Letters, March 17). Their total value is always very small.

If people gave 5p pieces instead, the value might increase – but those tiny coins are the bane of a counter’s life. William Pease

Southam, Warwickshire SIR – Jon Levenson (Letters, March 16) says that honest people have “nothing to fear from going cashless”. I’m afraid he is over-optimistic.

Going cashless will render honest citizens far more vulnerable to the effects of a power cut or a cyber attack. In any case, being dependent on a piece of plastic to get you home, or to buy food, may leave you stranded or hungry. A cash stash offers protection in the event of system failures. Phil Coutie

Exeter, Devon