Re: How do I approach my currency revamp issues?


"Padraic Brown" <elemtilas@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:p3jdu3pl37vitd7pipj96h1qc8soajtsvj@xxxxxxxxxx
On Sun, 23 Mar 2008 16:09:35 -0400, "Bruce Remick" <remick@xxxxxxx>
wrote:


"Padraic Brown" <elemtilas@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1t7du39pnoi3748d8cda6nubd56a6b4kmu@xxxxxxxxxx
On Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:29:06 GMT, Jim Seymour <nntp.js@xxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

Padraic Brown wrote:
On Sat, 22 Mar 2008 22:42:42 -0700 (PDT), malanutt4life@xxxxxxx
wrote:
[...] I'm not really worried about $1 or $2 coins anymore, because
it has come to be very clear that Congress will NOT eliminate the
$1 or $2 bills anyway. So I give up on that one. As much as I wish
they would get rid of them.

Why give up on that one? *That* is the one that will be more likely
than the reintroduction of high denomination notes or the
introduction of an entirely new denomination note!

Exactly! Of all his ideas, that is the only one *I* care about - and
the only one I think has any chance of being implemented.

Congress (right or wrong) will see high denomination notes as being used
ONLY in the underground economy - so there's a strong disincentive to
reissue those.

And the changemakers have no trouble using two quarters instead of a
half dollar - so really only the collectors care about that
denomination.

But the dollar coin/bill issue has received significant press in recent
years. After the election's over, I wouldn't be surprised to see
somebody champion the cause. (Whether it gets any traction, though, is
yet to be seen).

Agreed on all points.

I'd rather see that smaller but rather thicker coin be either a $2 or
a $5 rather than waste it on small change like a new 50c. (I think the
size of the 50c coin would make it ideal for semi-circulating
commemorative issues. *Real* commems, not just "let's celebrate all
the states or prezidents" kind of thing -- real achievements past and
present.)

I'd like to see a $2 or $5 coin. Like you said, thicker would make it
stand
out. At least we should give it a try, if possible without all the
tiresome
input about who or what should be on it. Just go with a "generic" Liberty
or something for a couple years to see if the public will accept it first.

No that sparks an idea that revamps the coins but doesn't mess with
sizes and the like. I am *all* for replacing dead prezidents with
images of Miss Liberty! After all, isn't that what we had long ago?
Didn't Mr Washington express the desire *not* to be on a coin because
it was too much a royal practice? Now, if Malanut wants an issue to
send to Congressman Whatzinitforme, a series of *updated* allegories
of Miss Liberty could be tried. Call it the "Hot Liberty Ladies
Coinage Act. Note to Malanut: be sure to send your congressman *large*
pictures of the models in question. ;))

Penny: too small for hot Liberty ladies! Try some state flowers or
something
Nickel: Angela Bassett
Dime: way too small for hot Liberty ladies! Try an eagle in flight.
Quarter: Halle Berry on a Ford Mustang (or even a series of other
popular cars)
Half: Angelina Jolie walking
Dollar: Miss America of the given year
$2: ?
$5: ?

Feel free to fill in or change names! I don't mean actual images of
particular women -- these aren't supposed to be "actress commems" --
but artistic images based on living models like we see on 19th century
coins.

And speaking of size, I wonder if a reduced (dime) size one cent coin with
the current metals has been considered. Might solve the metal problem,
and
since cents aren't used in vending machines, only mechanical coin counters
should have to be adjusted. But then the numismatic lobby would probably
be
against it because collectors would have to get new albums. So much for
that idea.

How about keeping it the same size -- that way we won't find
numismatists rioting and looting in the streets -- but make it much
thinner? That way, the coin presses won't have to be changed either,
just the thickness of the planchets.

The vending machine issue is also important because the introduction
of a new 50c coin would either require *legislation* that forces all
vending machines to accept the new coin or else the industry will have
to be willing to retool all on its own. Guess what the vending
industry would choose if left to its own devices?

Status quo, plus credit/debit cards like on most all gas pumps?

I could never bring myself to use a credit card at a fast food
restaurant, let alone a coke machine.

I'd rather see that size coin be a *higher* denomination rather than a
lower, because then vending machine makers might take an interest
where they wouldn't take an interest in a lower denomination coin that
is already capably being handled by two quarters.

The dollar coin has proven its worth in vending machines of all kinds
for decades. With more kinds of complex vending operations (like food
services and drinks) that often cost more than a dollar, the utility
of higher denominatin coins would be more certain than a lower.

$2 and $5 coins would work here, but again, we're getting into credit card
territory with higher priced goods in vending machines. I still see that
as
the way we seem to be going more and more.

I just don't see the need to use a card for low priced items like a
sandwich or a large pop. Sure, some folks will -- but they're the ones
who go into the market and whip out the plastic just to buy a pack of
gum.

To me, a low priced item in a vending machine is something that costs less
than a dollar. Showing my age again. It scares me how many people DO use
their card to make an item like a pack of gum or a newspaper.


If some day the US outlaws actual money altogether and forces everyone
to use the Uncle Sam Card, that'll be the day to head for the hills
cos the jack booted thugs won't be too far behind. In the mean time,
it is much easier and much more convenient to use coins or paper notes
for such purchases, whether at the market or in a machine.

Aw, it ain't that bad. I just took a giant step and signed up for an oil
company credit card that will give me a 5% rebate on my fuel charges--
that's a discount of over 15¢ a gallon! My first experience using a credit
card in a "gas station machine" in my 65+ years, and I'm almost getting the
hang of it after three tries. And hey, it didn't HURT! Convenience? I
don't have to walk inside and wait in a line to pay full price anymore. But
I'll admit I'm still not ready to try that ATM stuff yet.

The US will ever "outlaw" cash, but like the public pay phone, one day we
will realize there aren't many occasions when we need it anymore. No
jack-booted thugs required. It'll just happen. All you'll notice are those
two tiny marks behind your ear.

Bruce





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