Brexit Coin: 50 Pence Coin Commemorating EU Exit Unveiled—and Twitter Can't Believe It

Politicos on Twitter reacted with awe today after the U.K. teased it was set to release a "Brexit" 50 pence coin to commemorate its leaving the European Union.

The Sun reported ahead of Chancellor Philip Hammond's budget—scheduled to be unveiled at 3:30 p.m. local time on Monday—that officials were expected to announce a new seven-sided coin that would become available next March 29 when Britain is expected to leave the EU.

The coin will come with the slogan "Friendship With All Nations," and Queen Elizabeth II has already signed off on it, as it will be emblazoned with her image, the newspaper reported. The news outlet also said that the new coin was "expected to be very popular with 'Leave' voters."

But on Twitter, the memes started to circulate almost immediately. Many commentators quickly poked fun at the financial uncertainty that some expect to follow the EU exit.

Member of Parliament Wes Streeting of the Labour Party posted an image of a 1 pound coin, tweeting: "Government unveils new coin worth 50 pence after Brexit." Comedian Matt Forde also weighed in: "A special 50p coin is being issued to commemorate Brexit. Or as it used to be called, a pound."

Scottish politician Tom Arthur added this: "With threats to food supplies, fears of [medicine] shortages and the potential for tens of thousands of job losses; the UK Government is to launch a new Brexit 50p coin. This must be what the Tories mean by 'getting on with the day job'."

Tom Brake, a Liberal Democratic politician, tweeted his opposition to the commemorative coin, writing that it "will be nothing more than a sad and permanent reminder of the long lasting damage Brexit will do to our economy, credibility & influence in the world. Rather than a nonsensical coin, the people deserve a final say including the option to remain in the EU."

The full content of the U.K.'s upcoming budget package remains unknown. According to the government, it will set out the current plan "to build a stronger, more prosperous economy."

British Prime Minister Theresa May told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show last month that she still believed in the democratic decision to leave the EU, despite initially campaigning to remain.

"I do believe in Brexit," May said. "Crucially, I believe in delivering Brexit in a way that respects the vote and delivers on the vote of the British people while also protecting our union, protecting jobs and ensuring we make a success of Brexit for the future." As she attempted to assuage fears of a "no deal," May said it would be a success "regardless of the outcome of the negotiations."