Has anyone tried recently to use an Ike, SBA, or half dollar to make a payment?

Longacre

I have a bunch of Ike dollars, SBAs, and half dollars at home just taking up space. I want to get rid of them, but I somehow feel embarassed to try to pawn them off on some store when I make a purchase. I can just imagine trying to convince some high school whipper snapper that the Ike dollar I am giving him is really a dollar. Has anyone else tried to spend these white elephants recently? Am I crazy for making it such an anxiety-filled experience?

AuldFartte

I tried to pay for postage using a Sac at the P.O. ... the clerk refused
to take it. I explained that it was a real U.S. dollar, and she said she
knew that, but didn't have a slot in her change drawer for it ... so
she refused to take it for payment.

DNADave

The post office is the place that gives them out the most, in their machines. I'd have made her take it to prove a point.

ss350camaro

Leave them as tips when you go out to eat or for coffee or ?

dthigpen

<< <i>I tried to pay for postage using a Sac at the P.O. ... the clerk refused
to take it. I explained that it was a real U.S. dollar, and she said she
knew that, but didn't have a slot in her change drawer for it ... so
she refused to take it for payment. >>



I believe it is required by the USPS' contract with the government for them to take all forms of US Legal Tender. I would have spoken to her manager and made her look like the mindless peon that she was.

MICHAELDIXON

My auction partner used $216. in Ikes, SBAs and Sacs to pay his cellphone bill at the bank Saturday. He said at first the teller didn't want to take them, but then the other tellers started arguing over who was going to get them. He said he ended up not having to roll them, because of the tellers all wanting them.

TheRaven

I would have made the post office take the coin.

It is US coin & currency you must take it no matter what your till has in it.

Back when I worked at a grocery store I had a lady pay with 10 $2 bills. Which was odd, but those bill disappeared as everybody I mentioned it to wanted one.

I would like to try and spend a few Ike's and Kennedy's for a beer and see what happens.

pharmer

I wouldn't because I'm not interested in striking up a conversation with or trying to impress/confuse a minimum wage earner. My goal is to complete a transaction, not complicate it.

Sphinx357

<< <i>

<< <i>I tried to pay for postage using a Sac at the P.O. ... the clerk refused
to take it. I explained that it was a real U.S. dollar, and she said she
knew that, but didn't have a slot in her change drawer for it ... so
she refused to take it for payment. >>



I believe it is required by the USPS' contract with the government for them to take all forms of US Legal Tender. I would have spoken to her manager and made her look like the mindless peon that she was. >>



agreed

AuldFartte

<< <i>I would have made the post office take the coin.

It is US coin & currency you must take it no matter what your till has in it. >>



I agree with you, and Doug ... but I ship a lot of packages from this
little PO, and I'd rather not end up having my packages treated like
soccer balls ... so I didn't make any waves.

100proof1957

Seems i read smoewhere that cents dont have to be accepted as legal tender ?

Everthing else does.

Passed a 2 dollar bill at McD's while back and the clerk had to get managers ok !

CoinHusker

<< <i>Leave them as tips when you go out to eat or for coffee or ? >>




That's what we do. My wife also uses them when she goes to garage sales, etc. and people's eye's really light up when they see those land in their palms.

carl

I don't know where you live but around here using a full size coin dollar or half dollar for anything gets a lot of "HEY, DO YOU HAVE MORE OF THESE". I go to a lot of flea markets and at one of them if I use half dollars for entry I usually get in free as long as I sell as many half dollars as I have to the attentant collecting incoming money. At most stores they ask the same thing about do I have more. I really don't understand this because every time I go to a bank and ask for some, they always have some and usually tell me how lucky I am because people are always coming in and askingfor them. There are no slots in store cash register drawers for full size coin dollars or halves. Same for all vending machines I have ever seen. At places that have video games also no place for those type of coins. However, every time I produce one people just want them more and more. However, the exception is the dumb Sac dollars. No one wants them. To afraid of getting mixed up with a quarter. I've found a few that were given to me as quarters and that really made me wonder if I ever gave one out that way. They do fit in some vending machines as quarters. Makes one wonder what is wrong with the Mint people for ever making those things. If you have some, don't be afraid to take them to a bank. You may be surprized at how fast they will take them or offer them to neighborhood kids for doing stuff for you. Start new coin collectors that way.

100proof1957

Auldfarte prolly ships from Bernalillo or Chama !

Maybe even Tres Pedres ,or Jemez Springs !

Chazpear

I haven't hab any problems with Sac's. or SBA's. Haven't tried Ike's in a long time. I did just use a couple of Kennedy halfs and got some strange looks from the kids behind the counter. The first wasn't sure what to make of it. Sort of like using $2 bill and the odd facial expressions.

DNADave

A business cannot refuse a type of cash payment unless they clearly post the rule.

i.e. No $100.00 accepted after 10:00pm or No bills larger than a $20 accepted. Cents not accepted here. etc.



I like to mess with the young parking garage tellers by paying the $1.50 fee with three quarters and eight dimes ($1.55) Most of them don't know how much I gave even after I tell them.

Robgetty

I use Sac $1's alot because our bill changer at work gives them out. Never have a problem.

DRG

I use Sac's and SBA 's at the fast food places all the time. I never have a problem.

The half dollars are actually common here in Vegas.

I have spent some really trashed Ike's, also never had a problem.

I accidently gave a clerk a SBA the other day as a quarter. Boy was I embarrased when he pointed it out to me.

ChangeIsGood

Other than a sack of penneys,( which I can understand ) they have to take them legally.
Go to a real fancy restaurant and pay with sacs or Ikes. If they make a stink, say thats all you have. They either take them or you eat free. Legal tender is legal tender. I can't understand the problem with some stores as they just dump them all at the bank anyway. No slot in the drawer? So put it under the tray with the checks.

windwhispersintrees

From the Federal Reserve Board Website:

According to the "Legal Tender Statute" (section 5103 of title 31 of the U.S. Code), "United States coins and currency (including Federal Reserve notes and circulating notes of Federal Reserve banks and national banks) are legal tender for all debts, public charges, taxes, and dues." This means that all U.S. money, as identified above, when tendered to a creditor legally satisfies a debt to the extent of the amount (face value) tendered.

However, no federal law mandates that a person or an organization must accept currency or coins as payment for goods or services not yet provided. For example, a bus line may prohibit payment of fares in pennies or dollar bills.

Some movie theaters, convenience stores and gas stations as a matter of policy may refuse to accept currency of a large denomination, such as notes above $20, and as long as notice is posted and a transaction giving rise to a debt has not already been completed, these organizations have not violated the legal tender law.

Bochiman

I wouldn't pay for something with more than $5-$10 worth at a time, but I have used them all to pay for things.
As mentioned, used as tips, they are pretty popular.
Local casino waitresses all love it....so do some of the dealers.

I have also used all 3 to pay for meals in the company cafeteria (they are usually less thrilled though ).

I've used them at the grocery store, and had them rolled.....won't do that again as it takes too long for them to open the roll, count the coins, then get going.


btw...your post office person was rude by not taking them and saying it was because she didn't have a spot....that is just being lazy on her end.

dthigpen

<< <i>From the Federal Reserve Board Website:

According to the "Legal Tender Statute" (section 5103 of title 31 of the U.S. Code), "United States coins and currency (including Federal Reserve notes and circulating notes of Federal Reserve banks and national banks) are legal tender for all debts, public charges, taxes, and dues." This means that all U.S. money, as identified above, when tendered to a creditor legally satisfies a debt to the extent of the amount (face value) tendered.

However, no federal law mandates that a person or an organization must accept currency or coins as payment for goods or services not yet provided. For example, a bus line may prohibit payment of fares in pennies or dollar bills.

Some movie theaters, convenience stores and gas stations as a matter of policy may refuse to accept currency of a large denomination, such as notes above $20, and as long as notice is posted and a transaction giving rise to a debt has not already been completed, these organizations have not violated the legal tender law. >>



This has nothing to do with FRB acceptance regulations, this has to do with it being in the USPS' contract with the US Government to accept all FRB-back US legal tender.

Russ

Windwhispersintrees beat me to the punch. I don't know about specific postal regulations, but there is no legal requirement for a business to accept any form of US coin or currency. Never has been. This is a common misconception.

Russ, NCNE

ChangeIsGood

<< <i>Windwhispersintrees beat me to the punch. I don't know about specific postal regulations, but there is no legal requirement for a business to accept any form of US coin or currency. Never has been. This is a common misconception.


That may be true but how long will one be in business if they get TOO picky about the type of coins they get. As long as it is in reason.
Looks like those regs mean I can pay my taxes in pennies.

wjd283

We have a bill changer at work that will change $1 to $20.If you put a $20 in it you get $3 in quarters and the rest in SBAs and Sacs.I check the SBAs for wide border varietys and spend the rest.I use them on a daily basis and have never had a problem.I seldom use Ikes tho.

LALASD4

I buy hamburgers with half dollars all the time.

Goober

Geez, I have rolls of Sac dollars that I use to pay for stuff. I love using them. It always catches people off guard.

Russ

<< <i>We have a bill changer at work that will change $1 to $20. >>



Damn, man! Where do you work?

Russ, NCNE

Sphinx357

wjd283

Took me a minute Russ,but now I get it.



I guess if that statement were true I would'nt have to work much.

Jdurg

<< <i>Windwhispersintrees beat me to the punch. I don't know about specific postal regulations, but there is no legal requirement for a business to accept any form of US coin or currency. Never has been. This is a common misconception.

Russ, NCNE >>



Actually, from reading that rule I get the impression that if they've already provided the service before the payment is made that they must accept it. So if you go to a restaurant and eat there, then they give you the bill, they have to accept the cash since they've already provided the service of giving you food and cooking it. A debt would currently exist. Now if you go to a store and pick up a bunch of things you want to buy, or go to a fast-food restaurant, you have to pay before you get the "service". Therefore, they are not required to take the coins/currency since they have yet to provide you with a service and there is currently no 'debt' on the record.

GoYankees

I once paid for my lunch at McDonald's using only SAC$s. The girl at the counter was amazed and commented how beautiful these coins were.

fishcooker

Only troubles I've had are people getting tired of me paying with coins. Hey, I was tired of owning them, so I can understand them being tired of receiving them.

It is usually too much for the cashier, when paying with more than $10 in coins.

The only denomination I've had trouble with is Sac's. Usually the young clerks have never heard of them, and some think they are either foreign or fake coins.

cohodk

I just paid my pain in the a$$ dentist $100 in halves.

I also pay for McDonalds, Burger King and Dunkin Donuts with halves. I cant tell if they are happy or pi$$ed off to get them.

Bochiman

<< <i>I just paid my pain in the a$$ dentist $100 in halves.

I also pay for McDonalds, Burger King and Dunkin Donuts with halves. I cant tell if they are happy or pi$$ed off to get them. >>



Dude, if your dentist is being a pain in your a$$, I have to wonder if you are seeing the wrong type of doctor or if you just have teeth in the wrong place!

cohodk

<< <i>

<< <i>I just paid my pain in the a$$ dentist $100 in halves.

I also pay for McDonalds, Burger King and Dunkin Donuts with halves. I cant tell if they are happy or pi$$ed off to get them. >>



Dude, if your dentist is being a pain in your a$$, I have to wonder if you are seeing the wrong type of doctor or if you just have teeth in the wrong place! >>



I went to this dentist ONCE. It was the worst experience ever. I thought I was in a time warp back to 1930. He told be it would cost $100 then I get bill for $214. I kept throwing his bills away until I needed the deduction for taxes. Then I paid him with halves I got from the bank.

BTW- I found 19 90% and 7 40% in that $100 from the bank

Nickelback

I use SACs sometimes when I travel. They go over well at airport shops and not so well at restaraunts - most people are curious about them, though.

Conder101

[Q<< Windwhispersintrees beat me to the punch. I don't know about specific postal regulations, but there is no legal requirement for a business to accept any form of US coin or currency. Never has been. This is a common misconception.


That may be true but how long will one be in business if they get TOO picky about the type of coins they get. As long as it is in reason.
Looks like those regs mean I can pay my taxes in pennies. >>


You can try, but if they refuse them, which they can, you still owe the tax payment.



<< <i><< From the Federal Reserve Board Website:

According to the "Legal Tender Statute" (section 5103 of title 31 of the U.S. Code), "United States coins and currency (including Federal Reserve notes and circulating notes of Federal Reserve banks and national banks) are legal tender for all debts, public charges, taxes, and dues." This means that all U.S. money, as identified above, when tendered to a creditor legally satisfies a debt to the extent of the amount (face value) tendered.

However, no federal law mandates that a person or an organization must accept currency or coins as payment for goods or services not yet provided. For example, a bus line may prohibit payment of fares in pennies or dollar bills.

Some movie theaters, convenience stores and gas stations as a matter of policy may refuse to accept currency of a large denomination, such as notes above $20, and as long as notice is posted and a transaction giving rise to a debt has not already been completed, these organizations have not violated the legal tender law. >>
>>


Part of that quote is from the website and part is material the poster added. the part on bold above is NOT part of the website quote.

The first comment he has added is wrong. If the legal tender is refused it DOES NOT satify the debt, not even up to the face value of the legal tender.

The second part requires there to be a legal tender "law" to violate, but the website quote states that there are no laws requiring the acceptance of legal tender.

ibzman350

Evertime I go to the bank I ask the teller if they have any $, .50 pieces, they're glad to get rid of em, less counting at the end of the day.

I throwem in the piggy bank.



Herb

hamiltonjh

<< <i>I wouldn't because I'm not interested in striking up a conversation with or trying to impress/confuse a minimum wage earner. My goal is to complete a transaction, not complicate it. >>




Are you saying "minimum wage earners" are stupid, or ignorant? Or are you just better than they are and you dont wanna waste your time with them?
I find conversation with "minimum wage earners" often quite interesting' They're a hellofalot more fun that stuck up rich people with attitudes.


I have my Sac coins which will stay in my collection, but I spend others as well.

Bootleg

i say horde them,bury them,and dig up from spot 20 yesrs later,.......no im wonderd the same about SBA's////

LikesCents

A few years back there was a cranky miserable old codger ran a very small local liquor store where I would buy a six pack of beer every friday night. I had some ikes so I figured I'd make things difficult for him and spend them there. He pocketed them and put some of his own bills in register, then actually spoke to me and asked me if I had more. Next week I paid with ikes again, then again the next. After a few weeks, when I come in he's really smiling, very freindly, like we were old buddies. If I didn't make it in one week, he'd ask me where I had been. I told him they weren't worth more than $1 and he could get all he wanted himself at the bank but he didn't care, I guess it gave him something to do.

After mine were all gone I went to the bank, got a $100 bag of them and spent them in various places just to see peoples reactions. It was cheap entertainment!

Yumawolf

Box them up and give them to your kids, grandkids for gifts! The hefting, jiggling, noise & guessing doubles the suprise of the gift.

MoeSzyslak

<< <i>Am I crazy for making it such an anxiety-filled experience? >>



Probably.

I wish I had some Ikes to spend (where are all these banks that supposedly have them?), but I do spend SBA, GDs and halves all the time. I'd say 50% of them go into someone's pocket with a rag dollar put into the cash drawer instead.

The only things I've ever had trouble with were the SBAs, and I've had very few problems even with those. People usually say something like "I haven't seen one of these in years." If nothing else, they're at least good for the self-checkout machines you see everywhere now.

Go ahead and spend 'em. It's fun. Just keep it to a dollar or three at a time and you won't have any problems.

RiotAct

LOL, one time I went to Tim Horton's (a popular eatery in Western New York and Canada) and paid with 3 Sacs. The guy at the counter looked at them really suspiciously, then his eyes loight up all of a sudden. He goes: "Heyyyyy, aren't these those Susan B. Anthony coins???"

ychange

"This has nothing to do with FRB acceptance regulations, this has to do with it being in the USPS' contract with the US Government to accept all FRB-back US legal tender. "


U.S. coinage isn't backed by the FRB. it's bought (i presume with FRNs in some form) from the U.S. Mint.

<<Coin, however, is an asset on the balance sheet of the Federal Reserve and is a direct obligation of the U.S. Treasury. As an asset, the Federal Reserve buys coin from the Mint at face value. When a depository institution orders and deposits coin, its Reserve Bank adjusts the institution's account accordingly.>>

i think this is why the $1 coin never took off in the states, as the Fed wouldn't shoot themselves in the foot and let the U.S. mint stick them with all those coins, let alone remove the $1 FRN from circulation.

*edit:...an interest free $1.*

DUIGUY

Took two roles of ASE`s to Aruba. Gave them out as tips, you would not believe the service I got after the first day.

AJ2525

Up until recently I've been spending halves all of the time. I haven't been able to get out of work in time to get any from the bank lately. I've never had a problem spending them. I do remember the McDonald's at the local mall got $5 worth of halves and the manager told the guy at the register to give them back out as change immediately so as to not have them in the till. I liked that idea.