['Nickel-plated steel coins have recently been introduced in the United Kingdom.', 'To compare the performance and allergy risk of the new nickel-plated coins (five and ten pence) with those of the cupro-nickel coins being replaced.', 'Coin handling studies with assessment of skin exposure and metal release in artificial sweat were performed. Six volunteers participated.', 'The amount of nickel deposited onto skin during the handling of nickel-plated coins for 1\u2009hr was 7.5\u2009µg/cm(2) , four times higher than that from cupro-nickel coins. The nickel content in the oxidized surface of nickel-plated coins was higher, explaining the higher skin dose. Initial nickel release rates were 10-27 times higher than 1-week rates, emphasizing that brief and repeated contact results in significant nickel exposure.'] Do new UK nickel-plated steel coins constitute an increased allergy and eczema risk?