Man shares true value of £1 back in the 80s and it’s eye-opening

The devastating impact of the cost of living crisis is something most Brits know all too well. While inflation has dropped considerably since the coronavirus pandemic, prices for food, energy and housing continue to remain at high levels.

But nearly two-thirds of people in the UK have to cut back on essentials such as food and heating. Meanwhile, almost half the nation has less than £25 left over at the end of the week.

Life in the 1980s was a world away from today, from hairstyles and fashion to the purchasing power of money. Now one coin collector has revealed just how far £1 would stretch a mere 40 years ago.

In a post shared with his 37,000 Instagram followers, @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.”

A pint of beer at the time would set you back around 70p, while a cassette from your favourite artist cost just 99p. Comic book fans could pick up their favourite issue for a mere 25p.

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.

Certain retailers, such as Poundland, Home Bargains and B&M, will help you make your money go that little bit further.