NationStates Jolt Archive

Paper. It's annoying enough to distinguish between the different coins.

Many countries opted in the 80s to remove all low-value paper money from circulation and replace it with coins. The United States, however, issues both, with no plan of withdrawing the one dollar bill. The vending machine industry strongly supports coin-only because their machines can handle coins much better than paper. There are other groups that find it better as well. Furthermore, if there are no low-value notes, they cannot be bleached and made into higher-value notes. Personally, I like idea of coins rather than paper. They are easier to hold when you only need a few units of your currency and seem much like doubloons, bringing out the pirate in me.

So, do you prefer coins or paper for the lower-valued amounts, such as one and two?

If it's one or two bahrain dinars, that's hardly low value. But it's different when it's the zimbabwean dollar...

we have both

I prefer plastic :D

I'd like to have only bills, actually.
But if there were some sort of anonymous foolproof hackerproof widely used national debit card system, I'd definitely use that.

Also, when I was in like, 4th grade, I was reading this weird crappy space-themed 'choose your own ending book', and the aliens used energy credits (as in, a set amount of energy equaled one credit) as money. I thought that was really cool/impossible.

Meh, I don't care. They're all easy to distinguish between here in the UK. Different sizes, shapes and colours. Well, not shapes for the notes.

I wish the £2 coin wasn't so big though.

I prefer coins.
Even if it is just a delusion, I always feel like they are worth more because they have some substance to them. A little peice of paper is only good for burning, but certain metals can be melted down and forged into swords for my resistance..

Edit: I also like the clinking sound coins make.

I like that they redid the coloring of the bills, it makes it easier, but I'm pretty sick of all those damnable pennies and dimes. I find more of them in my couch than the US treasury has left uncirculated!

I do agree with The Loony Toons though, plastic is by far the easiest. Easiest to steal too, but still easiest to use.

I like that they redid the coloring of the bills, it makes it easier, but I'm pretty sick of all those damnable pennies and dimes. I find more of them in my couch than the US treasury has left uncirculated!

I do agree with The Loony Toons though, plastic is by far the easiest. Easiest to steal too, but still easiest to use.

US money is not colored. It's shaded with "watercolors". It's a sham.

I prefer paper money, I hate change, it's loud and heavy and it's hard to organize in my rather unorganized purse.

And that's why I like it. :p

I prefer paper money, I hate change, it's loud and heavy and it's hard to organize in my rather unorganized purse.

Coin. Tis far more environmental.

I prefer coins.
Even if it is just a delusion, I always feel like they are worth more because they have some substance to them. A little peice of paper is only good for burning, but certain metals can be melted down and forged into swords for my resistance..

Edit: I also like the clinking sound coins make.

:)

I'd like to have only bills, actually.
But if there were some sort of anonymous foolproof hackerproof widely used national debit card system, I'd definitely use that.

Maybe you should investigate a little more in paying systems outside your country (I think I sense USA here.) Here in Holland over 50 percent of transactions in shops are electronic. I can login electronically with my debit card at home and make transactions. I rarely carry more than 5 euro's with me.

They already exist

For me paper only, makes me feel better to cool myself with a stack of it.

In the best case i'd love a system that makes transactions using an irisscan or fingerprint.

Neither. We should have electronic currency, like in Back to the Future (Part II).

I am into D&D, and thence like coins. I know, it is lame, but that is how I feel. I hate change, but that is only because in a bill-based society I am unprepared to walk around with change. Were I to anticipate using change much more frequently I would invest in a neat-o coin purse, and tie it to my belt, taht way I could look cool with Bann-ed's coin-sword on my opposite waist.

Ina ll seriousness I do prefer coinage, should it be used in far greater amounts (in Zaheranica... which=America to most of you....).

Maybe you should investigate a little more in paying systems outside your country (I think I sense USA here.) Here in Holland over 50 percent of transactions in shops are electronic. I can login electronically with my debit card at home and make transactions. I rarely carry more than 5 euro's with me.

They already exist

For me paper only, makes me feel better to cool myself with a stack of it.

In the best case i'd love a system that makes transactions using an irisscan or fingerprint.

Yeah, but they aren't anonymous transactions.
AKA, how am I supposed to pay my dealer with a debit card?

Undecided. It's really hard to say. :) Change is nice, but what happens then you need $20 or $100? If you don't have a debit or credit card, you would never be able to carry all that change in the current form of U.S. money.

I'd prefer coins. I love the one dollar bill, but I think coins would be easier to use only. I still need to go to the bank and get some of the new dollar gold coins to use.

Many countries opted in the 80s to remove all low-value paper money from circulation and replace it with coins. The United States, however, issues both, with no plan of withdrawing the one dollar bill. The vending machine industry strongly supports coin-only because their machines can handle coins much better than paper. There are other groups that find it better as well. Furthermore, if there are no low-value notes, they cannot be bleached and made into higher-value notes. Personally, I like idea of coins rather than paper. They are easier to hold when you only need a few units of your currency and seem much like doubloons, bringing out the pirate in me.

So, do you prefer coins or paper for the lower-valued amounts, such as one and two?

here in the USA.... they made one mistake. the Dollar Coins are so close to quarters that they are often mistaken for quarters. redistributing a new, larger coin would mean companies have to redo their coin machines to accept the new coins.

Me, I don't mind. the bills are easier to carry, coins easier to save (via piggy bank) so it doesn't matter to me.

Yeah, but they aren't anonymous transactions.
AKA, how am I supposed to pay my dealer with a debit card?

How am i supposed to know im talking to an addict :p :D

Well, you can write little notes on paper money but then it's annoying to see "500" written in biro on notes. It's like the banks are flipping you the bird. "Oh look! You have a dollar but this is only one of 500 we were counting."

You can also, play rock, paper, scissors with notes but not coins. But coins don't give you paper cuts.

You don't have to ask for change so much if you have coins but then you can have too much in loose change in your pockets and be weighed down with coins.

Coins are not very good for origami, but banknotes are not very good for building stacks (of coins).

If you were rich you could use banknotes to light your fire but I suppose you could build the hearth out of coins.

It's difficult to say which is best really. I think I might go for a beer. Should I pay with coins or notes?:(

Maybe you should investigate a little more in paying systems outside your country (I think I sense USA here.) Here in Holland over 50 percent of transactions in shops are electronic. I can login electronically with my debit card at home and make transactions. I rarely carry more than 5 euro's with me.

They already exist

For me paper only, makes me feel better to cool myself with a stack of it.

In the best case i'd love a system that makes transactions using an irisscan or fingerprint.

that reminds me of those VISA check card/fast pay commercials. does anyone notice anything unusual about that commercal?

do you see anyone checking ID's? even with old Credit Cards a signature is needed yet you just see them wave their card over the reader and leave with their purchase. Can you imagine the damage done between the time a person steals a card and when it's finally reported in by the owner?

For small transactions, coins. Theres no way in hell I'm putting a note in a vending machine/ticket machine, they just get eaten, never to be seen again :(

Many countries opted in the 80s to remove all low-value paper money from circulation and replace it with coins. The United States, however, issues both, with no plan of withdrawing the one dollar bill. The vending machine industry strongly supports coin-only because their machines can handle coins much better than paper. There are other groups that find it better as well. Furthermore, if there are no low-value notes, they cannot be bleached and made into higher-value notes. Personally, I like idea of coins rather than paper. They are easier to hold when you only need a few units of your currency and seem much like doubloons, bringing out the pirate in me.

So, do you prefer coins or paper for the lower-valued amounts, such as one and two?

I like coins. Then maybe people won't look at me oddly for wearing a belt pouch. :p

Maybe you should investigate a little more in paying systems outside your country (I think I sense USA here.) Here in Holland over 50 percent of transactions in shops are electronic. I can login electronically with my debit card at home and make transactions. I rarely carry more than 5 euro's with me.

They already exist

For me paper only, makes me feel better to cool myself with a stack of it.

In the best case i'd love a system that makes transactions using an irisscan or fingerprint.

Having seen the film "Demolition Man" I'd be averse to the use of iris scanning. Biometric systems have in any case been broken before and once this is done by a villain they will effectively be you. You would then have the task of proving who you are.

plastic, it's so much easier, and I guess it could be made way safer. Because that might be a little bit futuristic I think that the euros are quite good, maybe get rid of the little brown bastards that no-one really uses, but other than that I don't see the need for change.

that reminds me of those VISA check card/fast pay commercials. does anyone notice anything unusual about that commercal?

do you see anyone checking ID's? even with old Credit Cards a signature is needed yet you just see them wave their card over the reader and leave with their purchase. Can you imagine the damage done between the time a person steals a card and when it's finally reported in by the owner?

Yeah! You always have to wait for the card to be processed, and usually have to sign. Cash is the quickest way to pay.

A quick pro and con for each.

Paper Pro: They are easier to get inside of balloons. :)

Paper Con: They don't handle mud well. :(

Coin Pro: They make a very satisfying 'thunk' when tossed at the back of a friend's head. :)

Coin Con: Exotic dancers. Imagine trying to dance with a g-string stuffed full of coin. Won't someone please think of the exotic dancers? :(

Coins!! Gold coins should be the currency (vote Thomspon, a single step closer!). I hate paper bills.

I like coins. Then maybe people won't look at me oddly for wearing a belt pouch. :p

I wouldnt. *nods*

I prefer coins for small values, works better in wending machines and piggy banks or to toss to street musicians or wishing wells.

Either way I wish prices where even like 30 instead of 29.50 because than it would be easier to pay the correct amount and avoid getting change.

If there was a secure and anonymous credit card than I'd use that for everything.

But I'm not using a credit card as it is now. A database of every little thing I have bought and when and where gives a too complete view of my life to be acceptable. I bet nobody will ever look at the list but what worries me is that I can't know for sure. The information could theoretically be interesting for anti terrorism (maybe I bought the ingredients to a bomb without knowing they could be used for that), marketing, health insurance (too many visits to junk food joints there), screening by potential landlords (oh no he has bought big speakers and some metal albums) or potential employers and so on.

I am into D&D, and thence like coins. I know, it is lame, but that is how I feel. I hate change, but that is only because in a bill-based society I am unprepared to walk around with change. Were I to anticipate using change much more frequently I would invest in a neat-o coin purse, and tie it to my belt, taht way I could look cool with Bann-ed's coin-sword on my opposite waist.

Ina ll seriousness I do prefer coinage, should it be used in far greater amounts (in Zaheranica... which=America to most of you....).

I actually did that for awhile: carried like $30 in one-dollar coins...until I lost it (with around $55 in it) :(. At the same hotel I lost one of my favorite blankets years earlier...(*cough*black hole*cough*

here in the USA.... they made one mistake. the Dollar Coins are so close to quarters that they are often mistaken for quarters. redistributing a new, larger coin would mean companies have to redo their coin machines to accept the new coins.

Me, I don't mind. the bills are easier to carry, coins easier to save (via piggy bank) so it doesn't matter to me.

If you can't tell the difference, you're an idiot.

Coins!! Gold coins should be the currency (vote Thomspon, a single step closer!). I hate paper bills.

Don't you mean Ron Paul? *sigh* :headbang:

US money is not colored. It's shaded with "watercolors". It's a sham.

Of course it's colored. Just because you don't look at it (and, to be perfectly accurate, can't see most of it) doesn't mean it's not there.

coins? paper? what this the dark ages? I use plastic only thank you.

eh, some of you guys still use signature when paying by card?

we just put the card into the little machine and enter our pin number, the cashier does an over-exaggerated look in the opposite direction and you just check nobody is looking over your shoulder :D. Still far far far more secure than a signature.

Coins, it's harder to get into hyperinflation that way. Paper money means that it's piss easy to just print money, minting coins is a bit trickier.

For small transactions, coins. Theres no way in hell I'm putting a note in a vending machine/ticket machine, they just get eaten, never to be seen again :(
Indeed.
Coins are far easier for the lower values. Plastic is easiest though, but it doesn't beat the feeling of having the cash (or that sad feeling as you hand it over to someone else:()

Of course it's colored. Just because you don't look at it (and, to be perfectly accurate, can't see most of it) doesn't mean it's not there.

It's shaded.

coins? paper? what this the dark ages? I use plastic only thank you.

Die cosmopolitan fiend! Tangible currency forever!

It's shaded.

I'm looking at it right now and it's colored. Unless green is suddenly not a color.

I'm looking at it right now and it's colored. Unless green is suddenly not a color.

Putting some shading on a note and calling it coloring does not make it colored. Real colored notes have the majority of the ink used in that color. Not just the old note with some color splashed on it. Compare to the Euro or Canadian dollar.

Putting some shading on a note and calling it coloring does not make it colored. Real colored notes have the majority of the ink used in that color. Not just the old note with some color splashed on it. Compare to the Euro or Canadian dollar.

The American Dollar is the only true dollar.
The Dollar.
The Chosen One.

One dollar bills are fucking ridiculous. The magnificent Loonie can not be confused with any other coin, and the lordly twonie is even more distinctive. Paper money should be saved for purchasing things of substance...and nothing of substance is less than $5.

One dollar bills are fucking ridiculous. The magnificent Loonie can not be confused with any other coin, and the lordly twonie is even more distinctive. Paper money should be saved for purchasing things of substance...and nothing of substance is less than $5.

What about a single joint?

What about a single joint?

Who the hell buys a single joint?

That's frankly unCanadian.

Coins. But seriously, the Penny, why the hell does the US still make it?

Coins. But seriously, the Penny, why the hell does the US still make it?

Pennies are sexy.

One dollar bills are fucking ridiculous. The magnificent Loonie can not be confused with any other coin, and the lordly twonie is even more distinctive. Paper money should be saved for purchasing things of substance...and nothing of substance is less than $5.

I still have some $1 and $2 Canadian bills. I'd occasionally get them as change when I was a kid.

We have both: Neither. I am sick of tangible currency. Intangible electronic currency and credit ftw. I can *almost*, *almost*, live life normally without cash. Almost. Mind you, notes are fun to hold, and coins are fun to play with.

We have both: Neither. I am sick of tangible currency. Intangible electronic currency and credit ftw. I can *almost*, *almost*, live life normally without cash. Almost. Mind you, notes are fun to hold, and coins are fun to play with.

What? Never! Cash is so sexy to have. And its so fun pull out a bunch of 50s and pay for shit! Fuck electronics! What would you if the powers off? Or if someone hacks the system? Screw electronics, cash ftw!

Coins and plastic notes still both have their uses as far I'm concerned.

What? Never! Cash is so sexy to have. And its so fun pull out a bunch of 50s and pay for shit! Fuck electronics! What would you if the powers off? Or if someone hacks the system? Screw electronics, cash ftw!

Yeah, seriously. What is more megalomaniacal than pulling out a bunch of 20s, 50s, or even 100s and slapping them on the counter and praying they aren't counterfeit.

Coins and plastic notes still both have their uses as far I'm concerned.

Oh damn, I totally forgot about the existence of polymer notes. I've only seen those uncirculated; I'd like to see some well used ones...

Yeah, seriously. What is more megalomaniacal than pulling out a bunch of 20s, 50s, or even 100s and slapping them on the counter and praying they aren't counterfeit.



Oh damn, I totally forgot about the existence of polymer notes. I've only seen those uncirculated; I'd like to see some well used ones...Australia and the better parts of asia use them.

What? Never! Cash is so sexy to have. And its so fun pull out a bunch of 50s and pay for shit! Yes it is, but it is also inefficient, wasteful and ultimately vain. We don't need it anymore. Fuck electronics! What would you if the powers off? Manual credit transactions don't require power in such breif instances without. Or if someone hacks the system? Or if somebody forges tangible currency, like old Ron Paul. Screw electronics, cash ftw!Fuck cash, it is so last century. We need to properly set ourselves up for a truly catastrophic fall when our intangible economy implodes into a vacuum of doubt.

Coins and plastic notes still both have their uses as far I'm concerned.

Like what?

Like what?

Notes are good for keeping large amounts that you might need, but I prefer to take coins out because they're easier to sort and sift through quickly, I like handling them better and as other people have said they work better when you put them through slots.

Putting some shading on a note and calling it coloring does not make it colored.
So you're ignoring definitions. Gotcha.

Coin.

Coins. But seriously, the Penny, why the hell does the US still make it?

Because we have this thing called "sales tax"...

Why not go Plastic? You buy a debit card from a bank, and your employers put your money into your account, and we make debit cards usable at stuff like vending machines, etc. I already use my debit card more often than actually handling money.

Notes are good for keeping large amounts that you might need,That's what we have banks for. You put the money in the bank and use a debit card when you need to spend it. Who doesn't take Visa or Mastercard anymore honestly? I was at a flea market in central Mexico and even they took plastic.

Because we have this thing called "sales tax"...

And this justifies the pennies existence how?

That's what we have banks for. You put the money in the bank and use a debit card when you need to spend it. Who doesn't take Visa or Mastercard anymore honestly? I was at a flea market in central Mexico and even they took plastic.

I like to keep some notes around home, coins take up too much space for that purpose. When was the last time you had to pay a gardener/friend for something and they had a card reader on their belt?

So, do you prefer coins or paper...?


Digital blips on a magnetized plastic chit (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debit_card).

More secure, more convenient, and reflective of the simple fact that most contemporary economic trade is conducted electronically anyway.

I prefer paper money, mainly because where I live there are four different types circulated together, five if you count the old and new Bank of Scotland notes. It’s great to see the look of confusion on tourists face's when they pay with a Bank of Scotland and get a Royal Bank as change

Why not go Plastic? You buy a debit card from a bank, and your employers put your money into your account, and we make debit cards usable at stuff like vending machines, etc. I already use my debit card more often than actually handling money.

'cause then you'll be tracked. Everything you buy will be known. Not very private. Cash is fast and anonymous. Plus its sexy and fun. Although bartering would be even better.

'sides, counterfeiting isn't that bad. If someone hacks an account they can steal all your money, and your identity. That's just fucked up.

Personally, I am in favour of replacing small notes with coins to a certain point. I wouldn't like the thought of carrying around 25 x $1 notes or 25 x $2 notes, however, I can handle coins of such a size. I still use cash predominantly, due to the presence of transaction fees on EFTPOS and Credit Card transactions in New Zealand, and being a bit of a currency fanatic, I like handling physical currency.

Il Ruffino, just because there is a sales tax does not mean that the United States needs to retain the Penny, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa all have sales taxes (12.5%, 10% and 14% respectively), yet we have all gotten rid of our one and two cent coins. It is time for America to join the growing number of nations that don't have one cent coins, and the civilised world that doesn't have one dollar notes.

I can part with the dollar bill, but NEVER the penny. I love paying for things with pennies. Its so fun.

Personally, I am in favour of replacing small notes with coins to a certain point. I wouldn't like the thought of carrying around 25 x $1 notes or 25 x $2 notes, however, I can handle coins of such a size. I still use cash predominantly, due to the presence of transaction fees on EFTPOS and Credit Card transactions in New Zealand, and being a bit of a currency fanatic, I like handling physical currency.

Il Ruffino, just because there is a sales tax does not mean that the United States needs to retain the Penny, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa all have sales taxes (12.5%, 10% and 14% respectively), yet we have all gotten rid of our one and two cent coins. It is time for America to join the growing number of nations that don't have one cent coins, and the civilised world that doesn't have one dollar notes.

Also, you still need hard cash to pay the train conductor or bus driver here; they still don't have EFTPOS or Credit Card machines on those services in Auckland, although they do accept cheques.

I'm a coin collector and well, you know my preference. For vending machines, coins are best as the I hate those note feeding machines which steal your money and misfeed. Notes are best for higher denominations. As for using a electronic card to vending machines, no thanks. I've had an ATM chew on a debit card once and not give it back.

Oddly, I fund my coin collection on my credit card but that's eBAY for you.

Checks are being phased out here, most of the big stores won’t accept them and you would just get laughed at if you tried to pay the bus fare with a check. Funnily enough £50 and £100 notes are in the same situation, most shops just won’t accept them.

In New Zealand, I have noticed in recent years that $50 are increasing in popularity, the ATMs of some banks are stocking them, and I have just noticed it in circulation much more. Also, the cheques I was referring to was more to do with monthly passes; a train monthly here can cost up to $200 per month and neither conductor, nor passenger would like to hold that in cash.

I don't like coins because they make my wallet have bumps that are uncomfortable and they fall out easily. They're harder to carry around for me than dollar bills.

'sides, counterfeiting isn't that bad. If someone hacks an account they can steal all your money, and your identity. That's just fucked up.

can't they already do that? and how do they steal your identity?

can't they already do that? and how do they steal your identity?

If the account lists social security number, birth date, address, name, stuff like that they can apply for loans pretending to be you and then never pay them back, for example, or otherwise use your information to get money or your money to buy things, I guess.

Australia and the better parts of asia use them.

I know.

Yes it is, but it is also inefficient, wasteful and ultimately vain. We don't need it anymore. Manual credit transactions don't require power in such breif instances without. Or if somebody forges tangible currency, like old Ron Paul. Fuck cash, it is so last century. We need to properly set ourselves up for a truly catastrophic fall when our intangible economy implodes into a vacuum of doubt.

Who uses manual credit transactions? I haven't seen one of those in at least 10 years. It's still effectively a check anyway...

It's not forged. It's perfectly legal. You can make your own money (at least in the US) and if someone accepts it, that is their choice.

Like what?

Maybe the fact that people don't want to be tracked for every purchase they make? Also, black market and unreported transactions (babysitting, landscaper,...).

So you're ignoring definitions. Gotcha.

No. If you knew anything about currency, you'd know American money isn't colored.

I was at a flea market in central Mexico and even they took plastic.

So they could steal your identity and all your money...

And this justifies the pennies existence how?

Pennies are awesome. You can't make sales tax much higher here without hurting the poor. Unlike most countries, we have like no safety net.

I like to keep some notes around home, coins take up too much space for that purpose. When was the last time you had to pay a gardener/friend for something and they had a card reader on their belt?

Exactly.

Digital blips on a magnetized plastic chit (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debit_card).

More secure, more convenient, and reflective of the simple fact that most contemporary economic trade is conducted electronically anyway.

By check or automatic transfer.

I can part with the dollar bill, but NEVER the penny. I love paying for things with pennies. Its so fun.

Hooray for pennies! On that note (or rather cent), any place that you are in debt to must accept any legal tender (including pennies). However, a merchant may choose to only accept $20s, if he so wishes.

Il Ruffino, just because there is a sales tax does not mean that the United States needs to retain the Penny, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa all have sales taxes (12.5%, 10% and 14% respectively), yet we have all gotten rid of our one and two cent coins. It is time for America to join the growing number of nations that don't have one cent coins, and the civilised world that doesn't have one dollar notes.

Dollars sure, pennies NEVAR!!!

I'm a coin collector and well, you know my preference. For vending machines, coins are best as the I hate those note feeding machines which steal your money and misfeed. Notes are best for higher denominations. As for using a electronic card to vending machines, no thanks. I've had an ATM chew on a debit card once and not give it back.

Oddly, I fund my coin collection on my credit card but that's eBAY for you.

Jeru!!! That's what I hate about credit cards. I can't buy anything on the internet because they only accept credit cards, checks, or money orders. None of which I have access to. How am I supposed to by my Highly-radioactive Uranium (http://www.unitednuclear.com)...

I don't like coins because they make my wallet have bumps that are uncomfortable and they fall out easily. They're harder to carry around for me than dollar bills.

I agree, unless of course they are Ron Paul coins. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2007/11/16/PH2007111601160.jpg

Pennies are awesome. You can't make sales tax much higher here without hurting the poor. Unlike most countries, we have like no safety net.

What does pennies have to do with sales tax?

What do pennies have to do with sales tax?(fixed)

New Jersey Sales Tax is 7%. If I buy something for $1, it's $1.07. I slap down two dollars. How can I get those three cents back if there are no pennies? Raise the sales tax to 10%? Well, that doesn't work in a country with such large amounts of poor people that need every penny they can get. Sales tax affects the poor a lot and any increase would hurt them. Not to mention that Americans hate taxes and a hike would be impossible to pass if you intend to stay in office another term. I don't know where you live, but I also think that in bigger countries like the US, you NEED pennies. Rounding up would cause unnecessary inflation, which is already bad enough.

(fixed)

New Jersey Sales Tax is 7%. If I buy something for $1, it's $1.07. I slap down two dollars. How can I get those three cents back if there are no pennies? Raise the sales tax to 10%? Well, that doesn't work in a country with such large amounts of poor people that need every penny they can get. Sales tax affects the poor a lot and any increase would hurt them. Not to mention that Americans hate taxes and a hike would be impossible to pass if you intend to stay in office another term. I don't know where you live, but I also think that in bigger countries like the US, you NEED pennies. Rounding up would cause unnecessary inflation, which is already bad enough.

First of all, due to rounding, in fact, you would not only get three cents back, you would actually get back five cents. Also, you don't need to raise the sales tax to 10% - this is what would happen. The store would pay 7% sales tax on the $1.05 (i.e. 6.87 cents). Due to the large numbers of transactions and the miniscule effects of rounding, there is virtually no impact on revenues for the state, and neither are there impacts on the poor (there were studies done when New Zealand and Australia got rid of their one and two cent coins in 1990 and 1991 respectively, although I do not have immediate access to them).

Thus, you are not hiking taxes, and the poor are not negatively effected. No matter what country, it is ridiculuous to continue to mint a coin that is worth more as scrap metal than as money. Rounding does not cause inflation, because you round up and down - over millions of transactions, it pretty much evens out.

First of all, due to rounding, in fact, you would not only get three cents back, you would actually get back five cents. Also, you don't need to raise the sales tax to 10% - this is what would happen. The store would pay 7% sales tax on the $1.05 (i.e. 6.87 cents). Due to the large numbers of transactions and the miniscule effects of rounding, there is virtually no impact on revenues for the state, and neither are there impacts on the poor (there were studies done when New Zealand and Australia got rid of their one and two cent coins in 1990 and 1991 respectively, although I do not have immediate access to them).

Thus, you are not hiking taxes, and the poor are not negatively effected. No matter what country, it is ridiculuous to continue to mint a coin that is worth more as scrap metal than as money. Rounding does not cause inflation, because you round up and down - over millions of transactions, it pretty much evens out.

I don't know what math you learned in school, but here 7% on $1 is $.07, hence $1.07. Also, Australia and especially New Zealand have MUCH smaller economies compared to the US. Finally, the penny does not cost more to produce than it is face. There is very little copper in them anymore--mostly zinc. Pennies made before 1982, however, have about 2.4 cents of copper in them, but that still might not be enough to cover the costs of smelting. If copper prices go up... And it does lead to inflation. If you remove pennies, everything must be rounded up. (Try asking a merchant to round down the price) That can inflate quite a bit. Then as the dollar gets inflated more and more, we'll have to remove the nickel as well...and so on...

I don't know what math you learned in school, but here 7% on $1 is $.07, hence $1.07. Also, Australia and especially New Zealand have MUCH smaller economies compared to the US. Finally, the penny does not cost more to produce than it is face. There is very little copper in them anymore--mostly zinc. Pennies made before 1982, however, have about 2.4 cents of copper in them, but that still might not be enough to cover the costs of smelting. If copper prices go up... And it does lead to inflation. If you remove pennies, everything must be rounded up. (Try asking a merchant to round down the price) That can inflate quite a bit. Then as the dollar gets inflated more and more, we'll have to remove the nickel as well...and so on...

If the penny was removed from circulation and use they would be required to round up or down by law. The rounding would average itself out and have little to no affect on the economy or individuals. The size of the economies have nothing to do with viability of removing a currency. And yes, as inflation increases we will eventually need to implement larger currencies and eliminate the smaller ones? What is the problem with that? Do you seriously think, when a can of coke costs $5, people will still be using pennies?

Check out this wiki article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Efforts_to_eliminate_the_penny_in_the_United_States). The arguments for eliminating the penny are sound and rational while those against it are based on sentiment or are only minor economically for individuals, and would be outweighed by the benefits.

I don't know what math you learned in school, but here 7% on $1 is $.07, hence $1.07. Also, Australia and especially New Zealand have MUCH smaller economies compared to the US. Finally, the penny does not cost more to produce than it is face. There is very little copper in them anymore--mostly zinc. Pennies made before 1982, however, have about 2.4 cents of copper in them, but that still might not be enough to cover the costs of smelting. If copper prices go up... And it does lead to inflation. If you remove pennies, everything must be rounded up. (Try asking a merchant to round down the price) That can inflate quite a bit. Then as the dollar gets inflated more and more, we'll have to remove the nickel as well...and so on...

If the penny was removed from circulation and use they would be required to round up or down by law. The rounding would average itself out and have little to no affect on the economy or individuals. The size of the economies have nothing to do with viability of removing a currency. And yes, as inflation increases we will eventually need to implement larger currencies and eliminate the smaller ones? What is the problem with that? Do you seriously think, when a can of coke costs $5, people will still be using pennies?

Check out this wiki article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Efforts_to_eliminate_the_penny_in_the_United_States). The arguments for eliminating the penny are sound and rational while those against it are based on sentiment or are only minor economically for individuals, and would be outweighed by the benefits.

If you remove pennies, everything must be rounded up. (Try asking a merchant to round down the price)

Even though they should, they don't. Still doesn't make me wish that we'd kept 1c and 2c coins though.

I like paper, although I am not opposed to having coins as well. Mainly, paper is so malleable, you can fold it and tuck it away virtually anywhere and not notice that it is present, in your pocket, in your shoe, underneath your manboobs, in your pants, you name it you got it. Coins, though, because they're cold, hard and heavy cannot just be put anywhere and not be noticed.

Many countries opted in the 80s to remove all low-value paper money from circulation and replace it with coins. The United States, however, issues both, with no plan of withdrawing the one dollar bill. The vending machine industry strongly supports coin-only because their machines can handle coins much better than paper. There are other groups that find it better as well. Furthermore, if there are no low-value notes, they cannot be bleached and made into higher-value notes. Personally, I like idea of coins rather than paper. They are easier to hold when you only need a few units of your currency and seem much like doubloons, bringing out the pirate in me.

So, do you prefer coins or paper for the lower-valued amounts, such as one and two?
We have coins for the $1 and $2 and they work great in vending machines. Much better than paper money. It is also cost effective to make the coins versus the paper bills which fade and rip easily.

Many countries opted in the 80s to remove all low-value paper money from circulation and replace it with coins. The United States, however, issues both, with no plan of withdrawing the one dollar bill. The vending machine industry strongly supports coin-only because their machines can handle coins much better than paper. There are other groups that find it better as well. Coins. It's not as much of a burden as some people complain it will be.
Furthermore, if there are no low-value notes, they cannot be bleached and made into higher-value notes. That would only work if the bills are all the same size :p

We have coins for the $1 and $2 and they work great in vending machines. Much better than paper money. It is also cost effective to make the coins versus the paper bills which fade and rip easily.

Make them out of plastic?

Coin beats scissors doesn't it?

Coin, specifically specie circular. It's the only real money when you can trust no one, these days.

Neither. We should have electronic currency, like in Back to the Future (Part II).

We're only eight years away from it.

We're getting close to a cash-free society now (at least in America). I seldom, if ever, carry cash - I can do pretty much everything with a debit card.

We have coins for the $1 and $2 and they work great in vending machines. Much better than paper money. It is also cost effective to make the coins versus the paper bills which fade and rip easily.

Of course, Canada is without sin, for she can do no wrong.

We have coins for the $1 and $2 and they work great in vending machines. Much better than paper money. It is also cost effective to make the coins versus the paper bills which fade and rip easily.
One of the things I like about CND, and America would have a dollar coin in full use and circulation if they would just stop printing dollar bills

One of the things I like about CND, and America would have a dollar coin in full use and circulation if they would just stop printing dollar bills

Why? I like carrying so many pictures of George. He's hot, and provides endless stimulus to...

Why? I like carrying so many pictures of George. He's hot, and provides endless stimulus to...

Then a new dollar coin can be made with George Washington's face on it ;)

We're getting close to a cash-free society now (at least in America). I seldom, if ever, carry cash - I can do pretty much everything with a debit card.

I still use mostly cash.
:p

I am in Canada, where we have the world-famous (Well, probably not) loonie and toonie ($1 and $2 coins, respectively). Our paper money, $5,$10, $20, $50, and $100 is much more colourful than the money in the USA. I think it is a great incentive to become wealthy.

Realistically, though, I prefer coins over paper. Strangely, our dime is smaller than both our cent and our nickel. I would prefer it the sizes matched up so larger coins were worth more. I would be content with a $5 or even $20 coin. Canadian coins are taken as equal value with American coins, which is interesting.

Most of the time, I use a bank debit card rather than cash (I work at a financial institution, so I do not have to pay fees). Physical money is a hassle with which I prefer not to quibble. I look forward to a day when we all have devices the size of bank cards with little buttons, a screen, and a transmitter that we could use for transfers. Or just do it via cellular telephone.

If the penny was removed from circulation and use they would be required to round up or down by law. The rounding would average itself out and have little to no affect on the economy or individuals. The size of the economies have nothing to do with viability of removing a currency. And yes, as inflation increases we will eventually need to implement larger currencies and eliminate the smaller ones? What is the problem with that? Do you seriously think, when a can of coke costs $5, people will still be using pennies?

Check out this wiki article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Efforts_to_eliminate_the_penny_in_the_United_States). The arguments for eliminating the penny are sound and rational while those against it are based on sentiment or are only minor economically for individuals, and would be outweighed by the benefits.

Production at a loss — By one accounting, as of July 2006 it cost more than 1.4¢ to manufacture and distribute a penny, which is sold for only 0.98¢ (in 2004).[3][2] In particular, as of May 15, 2006, zinc prices have risen to 0.9 cents per penny (more than twice the cost of the previous fall).

Response:
Decrease dependence on copper — The penny is 97.5% zinc,[15] and its removal might require more nickels. The nickel is 75% copper, and copper is less abundant than zinc. (The cost to produce a nickel is also more than its worth, about 5.5¢.[16])
Nickels are also a loss, but they make so much money on the other coins and paper. $100 bills net like $99.996

Historical precedents — There has never been a coin in circulation in the US worth as little as the penny is worth today. Due to inflation, as of 2007, a nickel is worth approximately what a penny was worth in 1972 (35 years ago).[10] When the United States discontinued the Half Cent in 1857, it had a 2007-equivalent buying power of 11¢.[11] After 1857, the new smallest coin was the cent, which had a 2007-equivalent buying power of 22¢. The nickel fell below that value in 1974; the dime fell below that value in 1982[12]; the quarter falls below that value in 2011.
Soon $1 will end up like the penny and be the smallest unit. At least retaining the penny will stave that off longer.

Limited utility — Pennies are not accepted by vending machines or toll machines. Pennies generally are not accepted in bulk.[citation needed] In addition, people often don't use the penny to pay at all. They pay with larger denominations and get pennies in return which they store at home.[original research?] Many do not considered the time required to count pennies to be justifiable in busy stores
I'll concede to this. I have like 1600+ pennies stored at home in canisters, not counting the pre-1982s I'm hoarding because of their being worth more than face. But it's more because I like pennies. Also, I do think the penny will inevitably be eliminated and anyone with a couple of rolls of same-year pennies could make a pretty...nickel. ;)

Coins. It's not as much of a burden as some people complain it will be.
That would only work if the bills are all the same size :p

Like in the US. They could easily remove the $1 and $2 in favor of coins and then lengthen the $50 and $100.

We're getting close to a cash-free society now (at least in America). I seldom, if ever, carry cash - I can do pretty much everything with a debit card.

We are nowhere near a cashless society. It's just not gonna happen. Even in Star Wars they have credit chips and currency running side by side. How are you supposed to pay your illegal immigrants, babysitters, dealer, prostitute, etc...? Small businesses will suffer at the expense of electronic transactions. Small transactions just don't work electronically.

Realistically, though, I prefer coins over paper. Strangely, our dime is smaller than both our cent and our nickel. I would prefer it the sizes matched up so larger coins were worth more. I would be content with a $5 or even $20 coin. Canadian coins are taken as equal value with American coins, which is interesting.
Easy explanation: a dime of silver is smaller than a nickel of nickel. The larger value coins could be done with silver quite effectively. I'd be a bit worried about people cutting off silver and then remarking the ridges though.

Most of the time, I use a bank debit card rather than cash (I work at a financial institution, so I do not have to pay fees). Physical money is a hassle with which I prefer not to quibble. I look forward to a day when we all have devices the size of bank cards with little buttons, a screen, and a transmitter that we could use for transfers. Or just do it via cellular telephone.

I don't and as I said: it's not gonna happen.

I don't know what math you learned in school, but here 7% on $1 is $.07, hence $1.07. Also, Australia and especially New Zealand have MUCH smaller economies compared to the US. Finally, the penny does not cost more to produce than it is face. There is very little copper in them anymore--mostly zinc. Pennies made before 1982, however, have about 2.4 cents of copper in them, but that still might not be enough to cover the costs of smelting. If copper prices go up... And it does lead to inflation. If you remove pennies, everything must be rounded up. (Try asking a merchant to round down the price) That can inflate quite a bit. Then as the dollar gets inflated more and more, we'll have to remove the nickel as well...and so on...

First of all, yes a 7% Sales Tax on $1 is 7 cents, hence the $1.07. However, in the absence of a one cent coin, that price would be rounded and it would become $1.05. Using the same math, the Sales Tax on an item that costs $1.05, Sales Tax inclusive would be 6.87 cents. It would certainly not become 10 cents - Sales Tax remains 7%.

Also, I know that the Penny is made of zinc, not copper, but even the price of zinc has been climbing. The Wikipedia article comment that it is 0.9 cents of zinc is out of date by about a year.

Furthermore, why must everything be rounded up? The merchant can and does round down the price, even without government regulation (in New Zealand, the rule of thumb is that 1-5 cent values get rounded down and 6-9 cent values get rounded up and that is not even in law). New Zealand businesses, South African businesses, Swedish businesses, Australian businesses and so on have all done this - look up Swedish rounding.

And working as a till operator, I would absolutely have hated it had New Zealand kept the one and two cent coins, just two more coins that I have to count up at the end of the evening.

Canadian coins are taken as equal value with American coins, which is interesting.

Not really; prior to the changes in 2006, New Zealand coins happily circulated with Australian, Fijian, Cook Island, Samoan, Solomon Island, Singaporean, British, American, Canadian and about five other countries coins. An Australian 20 cent could be used here to buy 20 cents worth of things.

Nickels are also a loss, but they make so much money on the other coins and paper. $100 bills net like $99.996

You could get something like steel core nickels. Cupro-nickel currency is extremely expensive these days, and was one of the reasons why New Zealand scrapped the five cent coin last year, as well as changing to steel core coins - because it was cheaper.

The other cool thing about steel core coins is that they are magnetic - no need to worry about misplacing that nickel again.

First of all, yes a 7% Sales Tax on $1 is 7 cents, hence the $1.07. However, in the absence of a one cent coin, that price would be rounded and it would become $1.05. Using the same math, the Sales Tax on an item that costs $1.05, Sales Tax inclusive would be 6.87 cents. It would certainly not become 10 cents - Sales Tax remains 7%.
Yeah, I get what you mean now. I do think stuff should be rounded. Just because it pisses me off that things cost 99 cents when they should be a dollar. iTunes is the worst though. They effectively have a 1% service fee...until you buy 100 songs--$99. But, the only way to do this is spend $100 on cards and they still get a penny out of that.

Furthermore, why must everything be rounded up? The merchant can and does round down the price, even without government regulation (in New Zealand, the rule of thumb is that 1-5 cent values get rounded down and 6-9 cent values get rounded up and that is not even in law). New Zealand businesses, South African businesses, Swedish businesses, Australian businesses and so on have all done this - look up Swedish rounding.
All smaller countries and smaller economies. I really think that it is both politically and economically unfeasible to impose this on a large country.

And working as a till operator, I would absolutely have hated it had New Zealand kept the one and two cent coins, just two more coins that I have to count up at the end of the evening.2-cent coin is definitely retarded.

Not really; prior to the changes in 2006, New Zealand coins happily circulated with Australian, Fijian, Cook Island, Samoan, Solomon Island, Singaporean, British, American, Canadian and about five other countries coins. An Australian 20 cent could be used here to buy 20 cents worth of things.
That's what should happen with Canada. Just set it 1:1 and you don't really have to phase in a new currency. The coins and paper are basically the same size. You used to find Canadian pennies all the time here because you could make money overall doing that. It declined because the exchange rate became unfavorable. Now, you can probably find some US pennies across the border...

You could get something like steel core nickels. Cupro-nickel currency is extremely expensive these days, and was one of the reasons why New Zealand scrapped the five cent coin last year, as well as changing to steel core coins - because it was cheaper.

The other cool thing about steel core coins is that they are magnetic - no need to worry about misplacing that nickel again.
Great idea--take steel out of other industries that need it. Unless it was recycled steel, which I would strongly support.

Canadian quarters used to be or may still be magnetic, which I always thought about when I visit an arcade-casino with the quarter-dropping machines. *pulls out handy magnet*...*receives insane amount of prize tokens for free*

A quick pro and con for each.

Paper Pro: They are easier to get inside of balloons. :)

Paper Con: They don't handle mud well. :(

Coin Pro: They make a very satisfying 'thunk' when tossed at the back of a friend's head. :)

Coin Con: Exotic dancers. Imagine trying to dance with a g-string stuffed full of coin. Won't someone please think of the exotic dancers? :(They usually just keep a pile in the middle of the stage. However, the deliverty method has changed...

If you are the old fashion type that likes to jam things down a girls panties, we still have 5 dollar bills.

They usually just keep a pile in the middle of the stage. However, the deliverty method has changed...

If you are the old fashion type that likes to jam things down a girls panties, we still have 5 dollar bills.

which just means it's a coin pro, at least from the point of view of the exotic dancer

paper doesn't jingle in your pocket or wallet. paper lies flat. paper can be folded. paper has the amount clearly written along with several other fancy looking stuff on it.

paper doesn't jingle...again.

paper wins.

paper doesn't jingle in your pocket or wallet. paper lies flat. paper can be folded. paper has the amount clearly written along with several other fancy looking stuff on it.

paper doesn't jingle...again.

paper wins.

Coins can be folded to, it just requires more effort (and tools)
of course after you fold your coins you just might have a hard time getting people to accept them

In Australia, we've dropped the 1c and 2c. We have 5c, 10c, 20c and 50c in Copper Nickel as well as the $1 and $2 in Aluminium Bronze. The notes are $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 - which are not paper but polymer.

The vending machines here are still mostly coin based as I think they are more reliable option. We did have $1 and $2 in notes but they got changed to coins.

Funny thing, the Australia $1 coin is bigger than the $2 which is smaller but fatter.

Canadian coins are taken as equal value with American coins, which is interesting.

In the 80s in Michigan Canadian bills were taken as equal value as well. Even in places a hundred miles from the border.

In the 80s in Michigan Canadian bills were taken as equal value as well. Even in places a hundred miles from the border.Five or so years ago, your dollar was nearly double ours, yet some places took both on par.

Five or so years ago, your dollar was nearly double ours, yet some places took both on par.

Oh, I remember those days very well. I made a lot of trips to Sault Sainte Marie then, and more than a few to Windsor. I'm sure the good people of Windsor are very sad at the recent change in exchange rates.

Canadian coins are taken as equal value with American coins, which is interesting.

No they aren't. They are the same size for the same amounts. They are not equal. Canadian pennies do find their way here a lot though...or used to.

No they aren't. They are the same size for the same amounts. They are not equal. Canadian pennies do find their way here a lot though...or used to.

He was saying that they're accepted as though they were equal, not that they're equal.

I get Canadian quarters, dimes and nickels all the time. I'd say about 10-20% of the change I have at any given time is Canadian.

He was saying that they're accepted as though they were equal, not that they're equal.

I get Canadian quarters, dimes and nickels all the time. I'd say about 10-20% of the change I have at any given time is Canadian.

Oh amybe that's because Michigan is on/near the border and New Jersey isn't. They really should just legalize them as 1:1 and be done with it.

He was saying that they're accepted as though they were equal, not that they're equal.

I get Canadian quarters, dimes and nickels all the time. I'd say about 10-20% of the change I have at any given time is Canadian.

In New Zealand, prior to our change in currency last year, it was estimated that 5% of the coinage in circulation was Australian. I believe about another 1 to 2% were from the other countries that I listed before.

In Australia, we've dropped the 1c and 2c. We have 5c, 10c, 20c and 50c in Copper Nickel as well as the $1 and $2 in Aluminium Bronze. The notes are $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 - which are not paper but polymer.

The vending machines here are still mostly coin based as I think they are more reliable option. We did have $1 and $2 in notes but they got changed to coins.

Funny thing, the Australia $1 coin is bigger than the $2 which is smaller but fatter.

Yep, and the Australian $1 coin is the same size as the New Zealand $2 coin, and the Australian $2 coin is the same size as the New Zealand $1 coin. Naturally, when I go to Australia, I import masses of New Zealand $1 coins and export masses of Australian $1 coins. Ah, the joy of profit.

Also, I think one of these days, you will see sense and scrap cupro-nickel coins - steel core is the way to go.

All smaller countries and smaller economies. I really think that it is both politically and economically unfeasible to impose this on a large country.

However, these have been nations that have done it. Also, large countries have gotten rid of small coins before - in 1982, Britain got rid of the half pence coin, for example. Also, I don't see how it would be unfeasible; the effects of rounding even out over time and it would not be too difficult to make a switch, Britain made the largest currency switch in world history in 1971. Getting rid of the Penny and rounding to the nearest Nickel would not be that large.

Great idea--take steel out of other industries that need it. Unless it was recycled steel, which I would strongly support.

Canadian quarters used to be or may still be magnetic, which I always thought about when I visit an arcade-casino with the quarter-dropping machines. *pulls out handy magnet*...*receives insane amount of prize tokens for free*

Canada was the pioneer in steel core coins and all new Canadian coinage is magnetic. Also, you would not be taking too much steel out of production, you just keep on minting the same amount of nickels that you do at present - that would only require an additional 4,200 tonnes of steel - American steel production in 2004 was 90 million tonnes.

We have coins up to $2. I wouldn't mind if they replaced the $5 bill with a coin either. I like coins and they can be reused more than bills can.

Canada was the pioneer in steel core coins and all new Canadian coinage is magnetic. Also, you would not be taking too much steel out of production, you just keep on minting the same amount of nickels that you do at present - that would only require an additional 4,200 tonnes of steel - American steel production in 2004 was 90 million tonnes.

Meh, wasn't really a main point. I have no complaints with steel coins. In fact, I'd love steel quarters. :D

In fact, I'd love steel quarters.

I would love to see the Americans get the half dollar back into regular circulation again. It must be bloody irritating getting four or five coins in change when two or three would suffice.

I trade only in human souls.

Credit or debt card. E-currency, generally speaking.

Coins, notes, I don't really care as long as it buys the beers.

Normally, I would say only paper, but how would you back the money without the coins? It's almost worthless without any value behind it......

I would love to see the Americans get the half dollar back into regular circulation again. It must be bloody irritating getting four or five coins in change when two or three would suffice.

It's still minted as far as I know.

Despite my opposition the removal of the penny, I do find it to be a good idea in principle. The nickel may also be removable. This would cause a bit of net inflation no matter what you blokes say about it. Other than that, we should have a 10-cent coin, 50-cent coin, $1 coin, and maybe $2 coin. Paper money would be $5, $20, $50, $100. $20s should really be gotten rid of, but they are really the best method of holding cash: $10 is too little and $50 is too much. The only reason the quarter exists is because of the Spanish pillar dollar which was divided into halves, quarters, and eighths back in the day.

Normally, I would say only paper, but how would you back the money without the coins? It's almost worthless without any value behind it......

Nothing backs our money except some faith and law.

It's still minted as far as I know.

Despite my opposition the removal of the penny, I do find it to be a good idea in principle. The nickel may also be removable. This would cause a bit of net inflation no matter what you blokes say about it. Other than that, we should have a 10-cent coin, 50-cent coin, $1 coin, and maybe $2 coin. Paper money would be $5, $20, $50, $100. $20s should really be gotten rid of, but they are really the best method of holding cash: $10 is too little and $50 is too much. The only reason the quarter exists is because of the Spanish pillar dollar which was divided into halves, quarters, and eighths back in the day.

First of all, yes if I remember correctly, the half dollar is still minted, however, it is not in regular circulation - it needs to get back into regular circulation.

I personally say that America scrapping the nickel would be a step too far; having a steel core nickel should lower the costs of minting the coin. If I was designing America's currency, this is what I would have:

5-cent coin (steel core); 10-cent coin (cupro-nickel); 25-cent coin (cupro-nickel); 50-cent coin (cupro-nickel) $1 coin (copper/manganese/zinc/nickel)

$2 note; $5 note; $10 note; $20 note; $50 note; $100 note

Neither. We should have electronic currency, like in Back to the Future (Part II).

Already do - its called EFTPOS, 80% of NZ's transactions are done electronically.

First of all, yes if I remember correctly, the half dollar is still minted, however, it is not in regular circulation - it needs to get back into regular circulation.

I personally say that America scrapping the nickel would be a step too far; having a steel core nickel should lower the costs of minting the coin. If I was designing America's currency, this is what I would have:

5-cent coin (steel core); 10-cent coin (cupro-nickel); 25-cent coin (cupro-nickel); 50-cent coin (cupro-nickel) $1 coin (copper/manganese/zinc/nickel)

$2 note; $5 note; $10 note; $20 note; $50 note; $100 note

That's why I said maybe...

$2 ain't gonna be used unless it's a coin...

Half dollar is too big and impractical to be used as much as it should be. Apparently, it is used by casinos a lot.

That's why I said maybe...

$2 ain't gonna be used unless it's a coin...

Half dollar is too big and impractical to be used as much as it should be. Apparently, it is used by casinos a lot.

The American half dollar is not that big and impractical. If a major chain such as Wal-Mart got their tills stocked with half dollars and the major banks started distributing them, then you would see that usage would increase. Also, big coins get spent more since they do not fit that easily in money boxes and people tend not to hoard them.

Also, the $2 note is starting to get more use - I believe that much of that is due to publicity that it has obtained in recent years. Also, without a $1 note, people that prefer notes would start using the $2 more.

The American half dollar is not that big and impractical. If a major chain such as Wal-Mart got their tills stocked with half dollars and the major banks started distributing them, then you would see that usage would increase. Also, big coins get spent more since they do not fit that easily in money boxes and people tend not to hoard them.
They don't fit in vending machines and there just isn't the...spirit to use them.

Also, the $2 note is starting to get more use - I believe that much of that is due to publicity that it has obtained in recent years.
BS. People still think it's rare and worth significantly more than it is, which is not true. They are virtually uncirculated.

Also, without a $1 note, people that prefer notes would start using the $2 more.
I'll give you that. It probably would be true.

I plan to start using $2 bills (as soon as I can get some) to buy lunch at school and use elsewhere. They're pretty cool because people stop for a minute to look at them.

They don't fit in vending machines and there just isn't the...spirit to use them.

Well, if you don't get them from change at Wal-Mart, or you cannot get them easily from banks, then chances are people will not use them whether or not vending machines accept them, or if the spirit is not there to use them. The vending machines in Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and other nations have from time to time been required to fit coins of a similar size to the US Fifty Cent (the old New Zealand Fifty Cent was the same size as the US Fifty Cent, but thicker)

BS. People still think it's rare and worth significantly more than it is, which is not true. They are virtually uncirculated.

Maybe they are not as well circulated as the $1 or the $5, but they are more circulated than in the past. In 2005, more $2 bills were printed than in 1990-2001 - unless the Federal Reserve are a bunch of idiots, then the only reason for printing so many is that use for them is increasing. I predict that in a few years, the $2 note will be as common as dirt and people will stop thinking of them as rare. Certainly there is no good reason for them not to be circulating.

I'll give you that. It probably would be true.

I plan to start using $2 bills (as soon as I can get some) to buy lunch at school and use elsewhere. They're pretty cool because people stop for a minute to look at them.

Of course, if I lived in the States, I would be getting $2 notes, $1 coins and 50c coins and using them in my day to day transactions. I would also be keeping all my pennies and nickels in a jar.

in cameroi we have no NATIONAL currency. local communities have the option of creating their own, should they choose to impliment a monetary economy.

the vast majority do not. but among those which do, flat pieces of color tinted plexi, in otherwise unusual shapes (with smoothed edges so to not wear holes in pockets) seem to be the most popular form.

imagine something the 'french curve' you might used a few years back in your drafting or illustrating class, before computer based design became as nearly universal as it is now. only mostly smaller, and in an infinite variety of actual shapes. each, depending on issuing community, denoting, along with, optionally the color of its tinting, its denomination.

in a world where what remains of hydrocarbon based mineral fuels is no longer economically favorable, even in many cases feasable, to extract, these have aquired as much intrinsic value as metalic based coinage once possessed.

often they are collected, simply for the beauty of their color and shape.

=^^=
.../\...

Well, if you don't get them from change at Wal-Mart, or you cannot get them easily from banks, then chances are people will not use them whether or not vending machines accept them, or if the spirit is not there to use them. The vending machines in Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and other nations have from time to time been required to fit coins of a similar size to the US Fifty Cent (the old New Zealand Fifty Cent was the same size as the US Fifty Cent, but thicker)
Do you realize how many vending machines would have to be upgraded? They are too big to be usable. You can only fit a few in a cashier's draw, so why bother stocking them when you can get more than twice as many quarters.

Maybe they are not as well circulated as the $1 or the $5, but they are more circulated than in the past. In 2005, more $2 bills were printed than in 1990-2001 - unless the Federal Reserve are a bunch of idiots, then the only reason for printing so many is that use for them is increasing. I predict that in a few years, the $2 note will be as common as dirt and people will stop thinking of them as rare. Certainly there is no good reason for them not to be circulating.
First of all, you fail to show proof of that claim (not that I don't believe you). But, you don't live here. I do. Don't tell me $2 bills are more popular when I haven't seen them in years. I just found one a few days ago and plan to go get some to spend, but they just aren't in circulation.

Of course, if I lived in the States, I would be getting $2 notes, $1 coins and 50c coins and using them in my day to day transactions. I would also be keeping all my pennies and nickels in a jar.
Absolutely. I already use $1 coins quite a bit and plan to be getting $2 bills as I said. Half dollars I have a good amount of, but I don't really want to use them. Maybe I will because of you. :)

in cameroi we have no NATIONAL currency. local communities have the option of creating their own, should they choose to impliment a monetary economy...

We're talking about real-life money and stop with the stupid textpet things...

RFID card systems (i.e. Octopus card in HK) are the best replacement for coin and notes. Now only if Visa or MC would popularize this idea over here.

RFID card systems (i.e. Octopus card in HK) are the best replacement for coin and notes. Now only if Visa or MC would popularize this idea over here.

Hell no. No damn chips in cards, tags, or people. Ever.

RFID card systems (i.e. Octopus card in HK) are the best replacement for coin and notes. Now only if Visa or MC would popularize this idea over here.

No way, I don't mind smartchips but not RFID. That would be a scammer's dream. Imagine someone with a scanner walking around scanning everyone's cards without them knowing.

Hell no. No damn chips in cards, tags, or people. Ever.


Then once its implemented, can we transport you back in time to the 1850s?

Seriously, RFID implants in the arm or hand should be the way to go, as the government wouldn't have to print cash anymore and thus save tons of money (pun intended).

Also, the security concerns are largely unwarranted.

Hell no. No damn chips in cards, tags, or people. Ever.

Seconded.

Then once its implemented, can we transport you back in time to the 1850s?

Seriously, RFID implants in the arm or hand should be the way to go, as the government wouldn't have to print cash anymore and thus save tons of money (pun intended).

Also, the security concerns are largely unwarranted.

HELL. FUCKING. NO. RFID can track you wherever you go. All they need is to install scanners. I will never allow any chip to be implanted in me unless it's like a pacemaker or something. How anyone could even want such an abusable abomination done to them is beyond my understanding.

Do you realize how many vending machines would have to be upgraded? They are too big to be usable. You can only fit a few in a cashier's draw, so why bother stocking them when you can get more than twice as many quarters.

A few? Try forty in a single slot, or thirty in a smaller one. I am a checkout operator down here in New Zealand, and when we had our old coinage, I used to easily fit in forty 50c coins in my drawer, along with other coinage that you would be stunned to hear the size of (our old 5c was the same size as your dime, our old 10c was the same size as your quarter, our old 20c was midway in size between the 10c and 50c). Britains old 50p was 30mm in size, and even now is 27mm in size.

In terms of the vending machines; yes I do acknowledge that they would need to be upgraded, however, I believe that there are still vending machines that do not accept $1 coins either. When they are altered to accept $1 coins, then they could be altered to accept 50c coins as well.

First of all, you fail to show proof of that claim (not that I don't believe you). But, you don't live here. I do. Don't tell me $2 bills are more popular when I haven't seen them in years. I just found one a few days ago and plan to go get some to spend, but they just aren't in circulation.

As I said, they may not be as in circulation as your other small notes (I must also add a correction, the 2005 figure was more than the annual production between 1990 and 2001, not more than total production), however, here are some interesting facts to ponder

US $2 production (sourced from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_two-dollar_bill - not the best of sources, I know)

1976 - 590,720,000
1996/1997 - 153,600,000
2004 - 121,600,000
2005 - 61,000,000
2006 - 220,800,000

Unless the Federal Reserve are stupid, they would not be increasing production of a note that is getting very little use. Also, more used doesn't mean that everyone is suddenly using them; it can mean that more people than before are using them.

Absolutely. I already use $1 coins quite a bit and plan to be getting $2 bills as I said. Half dollars I have a good amount of, but I don't really want to use them. Maybe I will because of you. :)

Thanks for the compliment; I personally see it as a waste that denominations of a nations currency are not being used. I have never seen a country that doesn't extensively use its smaller denominations, apart from the United States.

We are slowly moving towards an electronic economy, where the vagaries of current currency will be absorbed into a understandable morass of vague definitions.etc.-best to let it stabilize and adapt-wave of the future and all

A few? Try forty in a single slot, or thirty in a smaller one. I am a checkout operator down here in New Zealand, and when we had our old coinage, I used to easily fit in forty 50c coins in my drawer, along with other coinage that you would be stunned to hear the size of (our old 5c was the same size as your dime, our old 10c was the same size as your quarter, our old 20c was midway in size between the 10c and 50c). Britains old 50p was 30mm in size, and even now is 27mm in size.
This is a silly rebuttal, but maybe your cashboxes have bigger sections...

In terms of the vending machines; yes I do acknowledge that they would need to be upgraded, however, I believe that there are still vending machines that do not accept $1 coins either. When they are altered to accept $1 coins, then they could be altered to accept 50c coins as well.
Every one I have used accepts them happily. The vending machine industry has lobbied extensively for the dollar coin and since 1979, 1980, and 1999 Susan B. Anthony dollars are the same size and weight as the Sacagawea and Presidential dollars, I think that they had already built in acceptability of the coins when the machines were being regularly replaced during the past two decades or so. So it's not like they made upgrade kits.

As I said, they may not be as in circulation as your other small notes (I must also add a correction, the 2005 figure was more than the annual production between 1990 and 2001, not more than total production), however, here are some interesting facts to ponder

US $2 production (sourced from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_two-dollar_bill - not the best of sources, I know)

1976 - 590,720,000
1996/1997 - 153,600,000
2004 - 121,600,000
2005 - 61,000,000
2006 - 220,800,000

Unless the Federal Reserve are stupid, they would not be increasing production of a note that is getting very little use. Also, more used doesn't mean that everyone is suddenly using them; it can mean that more people than before are using them.
I don't know. They might just have needed more and printed more because supply ran low, not because of increased demand. Don't lecture me with statistics, which don't mean shit. I live in the damn country. I know what's going on.

Thanks for the compliment; I personally see it as a waste that denominations of a nations currency are not being used. I have never seen a country that doesn't extensively use its smaller denominations, apart from the United States.
Ah well we're the anomaly in almost every field.

Being a Socialist I dislike money in all its forms outright, but..

I prefer debit cards, since I don't have to carry the money with me.


If they start producing the QUID (space money) I'd definitely use that.

We have both, I prefer both.

I usually write on single USDs to see if I ever get one back, but at the same time the yanks are creative/bored enough to make a collective set of 50 quarters and release it over 10 years so that's rather interesting as well. :)

I always carry in my wallet, a two-pence coin that I picked up on the streets of Cambridge though. I tried tricking the vending machines here (in the states) of accepting my superior currency but they refuse to. XD

Although maybe the $2 is slowly rising bit by bit because of internet movements and inflation, but I won't believe it until I see them in circulation enough.

Paper. It's annoying enough to distinguish between the different coins.
Really? The paper notes are all the same size and consistency, while the coins differ is diameter, shape, thickness, and mass.

I can reach into my pocket and tell you what coins are there without looking, but I could never do the same with bills.

Coins are also far more durable. I don't see why anyone would favour paper notes over coins.

I can reach into my pocket and tell you what coins are there without looking, but I could never do the same with bills.

But if I do look at them, I can tell at a glance which bills are which... but coin sizes are similar enough that I always have trouble.

We are slowly moving towards an electronic economy, where the vagaries of current currency will be absorbed into a understandable morass of vague definitions.etc.-best to let it stabilize and adapt-wave of the future and all
I fear the cashless society. I pay cash for everything.

But if I do look at them, I can tell at a glance which bills are which.
True, and that's even easier if the bills are different colours based on denomination.

Canadian colours:

$5 = blue
$10 = purple
$20 = green
$50 = red
$100 = brown

But if I do look at them, I can tell at a glance which bills are which... but coin sizes are similar enough that I always have trouble.
Are all of your coins round? Do any of them have scalloped edges?

That helps a lot.

It can be a pain distinguishing coins when they are similar sized, and it is from experience too. When we used to have our pre-2006 size coins here in New Zealand, it used to be easy - now it is annoying, even with the spanish flower on the 20 cent and people still get confused between the 20 cent and 50 cent

This is a silly rebuttal, but maybe your cashboxes have bigger sections...

I doubt it would be larger. Our tills are only designed for five note denominations and six coin denominations (most of them dating pre-2006 when we still had the 5 cent coin).

Every one I have used accepts them happily. The vending machine industry has lobbied extensively for the dollar coin and since 1979, 1980, and 1999 Susan B. Anthony dollars are the same size and weight as the Sacagawea and Presidential dollars, I think that they had already built in acceptability of the coins when the machines were being regularly replaced during the past two decades or so. So it's not like they made upgrade kits.

And the 50 cent coin in the States has been the same size and same metallic composition since 1971. No reason why they could not have been upgraded along with the upgrades for the $1 coin

New Zealand got around most of the downsides of paper by replacing it with a polymer[sp] thingy..

our coins Used to be really good. but they changed them. the dollars are still fine, but it's now almost impossible to tell 20c coins from 50c coins quickly.

apparently they're now cheaper to make. personally i liked the old ones.

we Used to have, ages and ages ago [so long ago, in fact, that i do not remember them :P] $1 and $2 notes.

anywho, i think a mix is best. coins are impractical for larger denominations, but nicely suited for small change.

i had more thoughts, and forgive me if that's been said or rendered irrelevant.. but i haven't slept anything like enough for... weeks.. so i think i'm somewhat entitled to a little incoherency.

I'd like coins more if they were easier to store in your pocket and didn't turn into a sea of time spending when somebody hits your hand.

Coins are too much of a hassle in my opinion, I like paper money better.

I doubt it would be larger. Our tills are only designed for five note denominations and six coin denominations (most of them dating pre-2006 when we still had the 5 cent coin).
I just saw a cashbok yesterday and I doubt they could fit more than 10 in there. It's still too big to keep more than like 2 in your pocket.

And the 50 cent coin in the States has been the same size and same metallic composition since 1971. No reason why they could not have been upgraded along with the upgrades for the $1 coin
Not if they have no reason to. If no one uses them, why bother. Also if they are getting along fine with quarters which take up less space, why bother.

The US half dollar is too big to be practical.