Cash Cab Currency Question

fastrudy

Yesterday, the Cash Cab Show asked, "What denomination of US currency lasts the longest, before it needs replacement?".
I assume they meant lasts the longest in circulation, not lasts the longest in my wallet. So I thought the answer has got to be the $2 bill. Turns out the $100 bill was the 'correct' answer.

What do you say?

PS- I realize that this question belongs on the currency forum, but I didn't post it there because it is a lonely place. The last time I posted a question on the currency forum, I heard an echo as I typed. That's how empty it was! So, Mods, please don't send me there!

bestmr

Hmm, I would also guess the $2 bill. I hardly see any where as when I was working, I saw hundreds all the time. Maybe they know something we don't.

pheh

Virtually all $2s are snatched up by speculators and are simply not used in day to day trade. According to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing:



<< <i> <<The average life span of a Federal Reserve Note by denomination:

$ 1 ............... 21 months
$ 5 ............... 16 months
$ 10 ............. 18 months
$ 20 ............. 24 months
$ 50 ............. 55 months
$100 ............ 89 months >> >>


http://www.bep.treas.gov/document.cfm/18/106

Apparently even they don't consider it a "real" denomination. Personally I'd like to see them finally dump the $2 and create the $200.

drwstr123

We watched that and, if it were me, I'd insist the deuce is the proper answer.

LindeDad

When was the last time they printed any $2.00 bills? I know I haven't seen any in longer than 89 months.

ziggy29

<< <i>Apparently even they don't consider it a "real" denomination. Personally I'd like to see them finally dump the $2 and create the $200. >>

I'd like to see them dump the $1 note. Then I think a dollar coin AND a $2 bill would work.

drwstr123

<< <i>When was the last time they printed any $2.00 bills? I know I haven't seen any in longer than 89 months.
>>


Series 2003A

airplanenut

A few years ago I got a crisp series of 1969 $100 from a bank... that beat out the 89 month estimate

ziggy29

It seems like a $1 would change hands more than 5x as often as a $100, but the $1 doesn't even last five times as long.

I wonder if the $100s become unusable due to drug residue on the bills...

melvin289

Couple of thoughts on this question.

A few years ago the topless bars locally (Charlotte) started giving $2 bills out in change. I assume to get better tips for the waitresses and dancers. Has anyone ever tried to see the money Ben Bailey gives out. Sometimes it looks to be real money and sometimes stage money.

Ron

sinin1

I would have guessed the $1000 bill

it has been awhile since they printed any of those

rld14

Had to be the $100, I see old style $100s on a very regular basis