THERE’S no such thing as free money, or so the saying goes.

That is most certainly the case where the introduction of a new one pound coin is concerned – the change will cost Swindon Borough Council more than £7,000.

From March 28, you will start to see the new 12 sided coins in circulation as we begin the process of moving on from the trusty pound coin we have all got so used to over the years.

As well as being an unusual shape, the new coin is lighter and larger, designed to be harder to forge in a bid to reduce the amount of counterfeit money in circulation.

But the change has forced councils across the UK to adapt ticket machines and other equipment that relies on detecting what coins are being paid in.

In most cases the change can be made with a software update, but in some circumstances whole machines may need overhauling.

A spokesman for Swindon Borough Council said: “The council currently has 73 parking meters across the borough and all of them will require software updates to cater for the introduction of the new £1 coin.

“The software upgrade will cost the council more than £7,000.”

Swindon is getting off lightly compared to our neighbours to the south – Wiltshire Council’s changeover bill is expected to be a staggering £25,000.

They have even had to get rid of some machines altogether in a move justified by the argument that more drivers are now paying by mobile.

In total, the Royal Mint will produce 1.5 billion of the new coins.

Its creators highlight twelve features that make it almost counterfeit-proof in comparison to its predecessor.

It’s distinctive 12-sided shape makes it instantly recognisable, even by touch.

It is also bimetallic – meaning it is made of two metals. The outer ring is gold coloured nickel-brass and the inner ring is silver coloured nickel-plated alloy.

On the face of the coin you will see a £ symbol, although in different lights it will transform into a number one.

The feature, known as a latent image is intended to make the art of making copies significantly more challenging.

Micro-lettering on the lower inside rim on both sides of the coin is another new addition while grooves in the form of milled edges break up the consistency of the surface on alternate sides.

There is also a final secret – an unknown “hidden high security feature” built into the coin to protect it from counterfeiting long into the future.

The coin's design pictures the Welsh leek, the Scottish thistle, the Northern Irish shamrock and the English rose emerging from a royal coronet.

Collectors' editions of the new coin are being sold ahead of the currency's release into general circulation.

Gold, silver and platinum proof coins, plus uncirculated ‘mint condition’ versions in non-precious metals go on sale on Monday ahead of the tender's full roll-out on March 28.

Prices range from £10 for the uncirculated coin to £1,995 for the gold proof two-coin set.