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My interesting day spending Washington Dollars

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  • I'm not sure why everyone seems to think we're the same as the British, as the Canadians, as the Australians. We're Americans. We're different. Call it "backwards" if you like--personally, I'm glad that we're not anything like Europeans.
    I heard they were making a French version of Medal of Honor. I wonder how many hotkeys it'll have for "surrender."


  • << <i> I'm now the proud owner of not one but two titanuim hips - life is beautiful again!!!!!!! >>

    Yeah, and titanium is up 27% year-to-date! You might have to sell your hips if you get in a financial bind. (psyche/)
  • i like the dollar coins..not the design but they are fun to spend especially in small towns. Personally i could care less if they got rid of the $1 notes, im not for it and im not against it...it doesnt affect me. Everyone is getting all upset about the new dollar program for no reason..yeah they are ugly, sure they might not catch on, but i made an 80 yr old lady VERY happy the other day by giving her a new dollar coin, not to mention all the kids ive seen oooing and awwwing over them..if nothing else they are something to collect..you are coin collectors so just collect and dont worry about it. If it catches then so be it, if it doesnt then who cares its a coin and it gives people the opportunity to start collecting from the beginning of a series. I think the retail aspect is a little over exaggerated honestly...im sure that IF they do away with the dollar bill that people will probably just carry larger denoms like the $5 bill and such..i dont see people paying for things with 10 $1 coins. Civilized cultures adapt their environment to suit them ALL THE TIME, so i doubt its going to be a quantum leap to adapt to a $1 coin if forced to do so. Just some random thoughs from a nobody.
  • flaminioflaminio Posts: 5,664 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Whether replacing the dollar bill with a coin would "work" or not is not the point. Whether it would save the government money or not is not the point. The real point is that the general public DOES NOT WANT A DOLLAR COIN!!!! Period....end of sentence...quit trying to force it down our throats!image >>

    I'm sorry, but you're just dead wrong about this. Yes, some loudmouthed curmudgeonly numismatists don't want the dollar coin, but the vast majority of the population really doesn't care that much. If you ask them "bills or coins", they'll say "bills", but if you then say "Sorry, all we got is coins" they'll say "meh, whatever...". It's only our closeness to the topic that even makes us aware of the debate -- for the non-numismatist layperson it's not even an issue.

    And saving the government money is exactly the point -- that's MY money you're wasting, and I really do not appreciate it just because YOU like little green pieces of paper. Indeed, in surveys when the fiscal ramifications of coins versus bills are presented, the public switches sides, and goes with the cheaper alternative: coins.

    Suck it up. It's coming. In a few years, the FRB won't have any choice -- there will just be too many dollar coins languishing in vaults. Do the math. They'll have to stop ordering rag-bucks, and just release the coins.
  • shirohniichanshirohniichan Posts: 4,992 ✭✭✭
    In a few years, the FRB won't have any choice -- there will just be too many dollar coins languishing in vaults. Do the math. They'll have to stop ordering rag-bucks, and just release the coins.

    I hope it turns out that way. I'd hate to see our government wasting more money just because they think so little of us they imagine we can't adapt.
    image
    Obscurum per obscurius


  • << <i>the vast majority of the population really doesn't care that much. >>



    I'm assuming that you can cite your source?



    << <i>In a few years, the FRB won't have any choice >>



    The FRB never will have a choice, since the FRB does not make law.
    I heard they were making a French version of Medal of Honor. I wonder how many hotkeys it'll have for "surrender."
  • messydeskmessydesk Posts: 20,332 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Austrians didn't like the lack of low-denomination paper at first when they changed to the euro, IIRC. Their smallest note was either 10 or 20 schillings, and now it is 5 euros, which is (was) about 70 schillings.
  • flaminioflaminio Posts: 5,664 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>the vast majority of the population really doesn't care that much. >>

    I'm assuming that you can cite your source? >>

    The problem is the way pollsters phrase the question. If they ask simply "bills vs coin", the public will say "bills". However, "a 1997 poll (conducted by Epic-MRA of Lansing, Michigan) commissioned by the Coin Coalition found that 58% of respondents favored replacing the $1 bill with a $1 coin when furnished with the Fed/GAO estimates on savings." (emphasis mine -- link)

    Switching opinion from about 70% bills to 58% coins constitutes a general "don't care" attitude to my way of thinking.
  • OKbustchaserOKbustchaser Posts: 5,549 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Whether replacing the dollar bill with a coin would "work" or not is not the point. Whether it would save the government money or not is not the point. The real point is that the general public DOES NOT WANT A DOLLAR COIN!!!! Period....end of sentence...quit trying to force it down our throats!image >>

    I'm sorry, but you're just dead wrong about this. Yes, some loudmouthed curmudgeonly numismatists don't want the dollar coin, but the vast majority of the population really doesn't care that much. If you ask them "bills or coins", they'll say "bills", but if you then say "Sorry, all we got is coins" they'll say "meh, whatever...". It's only our closeness to the topic that even makes us aware of the debate -- for the non-numismatist layperson it's not even an issue.

    And saving the government money is exactly the point -- that's MY money you're wasting, and I really do not appreciate it just because YOU like little green pieces of paper. Indeed, in surveys when the fiscal ramifications of coins versus bills are presented, the public switches sides, and goes with the cheaper alternative: coins.

    Suck it up. It's coming. In a few years, the FRB won't have any choice -- there will just be too many dollar coins languishing in vaults. Do the math. They'll have to stop ordering rag-bucks, and just release the coins. >>



    Alright, I've finally made it to curmudgeonly!!image

    Actually, survey after survey has stated that the average person wants a bill rather than a coin. Otherwise, the average person would not be unhappy about getting one in change. History has demonstrated this thoughout the last 2 centurys. Dollar coins have never circulated in this country to any great extent.

    As for fiscal responsibility--it doen't exist on the Federal level. Any imaginary savings from such a change would disappear in a puff of smoke.

    I honestly don't have a preference one way or the other. I just don't think that ANY government policy no matter how "good for them" it may be (for example, current seat belt laws) should be stuffed down the throats of an unwilling populace.
    Just because I'm old doesn't mean I don't love to look at a pretty bust.
  • Flaminio, excellent link. However, like you, I'd be very interested in seeing the demographic breakdown, the statistical margin of error, and the actual question(s) that were asked. Still, very interesting result.

    P.S. After a bit of googling, I still haven't been able to find the poll itself, only that one reference to it. It would really be far more compelling if we could get a link to the primary source itself.
    I heard they were making a French version of Medal of Honor. I wonder how many hotkeys it'll have for "surrender."
  • flaminioflaminio Posts: 5,664 ✭✭✭


    << <i>P.S. After a bit of googling, I still haven't been able to find the poll itself, only that one reference to it. It would really be far more compelling if we could get a link to the primary source itself. >>

    Me too. Unfortunately, the Coin Coalition pretty much died when Jim Benfield passed away. That's why the link is through archive.org. It'd be nice if someone did an updated survey and asked intelligent questions, but unfortunately these days it seems all we get are unscientific web polls.
  • People will not carry these around until they also mint a $5 and $20 coin.

    My co-workers had no idea the coin was minted. I gave them each a nice BU coin in a flip and they thanked me like it was rare. While spending a couple of coins getting gas, a pull-start A-rab didn't want to take em'. I'll try Walmart next......maybe notimage
    I'm not a vigilante, I'm an undocumented border patrol agent!
  • MrSpudMrSpud Posts: 4,499 ✭✭✭
    I usually end up carrying around $1.50 to $3.00 worth of change in my pockets every day so I can get some soda or pretzels from the vending machine at work. I wouldn't mind carrying around 3 coins ($1 plus 2 quarters is $1.50 or three $1 for $3.00) rather than the 6 to 12 quarters I carry around now. The only problem is the vending machines where I work don't use $1 coins. The last company I worked at had vending machines that took $1 coins and I used Sacs often. Much more convenient than smaller denomination coins when everything costs $0.75 or $1.00 these days anyways.
  • flaminioflaminio Posts: 5,664 ✭✭✭


    << <i>The only problem is the vending machines where I work don't use $1 coins. >>

    Most modern vending machines have a DIP switch inside labeled "DOLLAR COIN ACCEPT". Flipped one way, it takes dollar coins; the other, it doesn't. Next time you catch the vending machine guy, have him twiddle the switch, and voila -- your dollar coins will work.
  • MrSpudMrSpud Posts: 4,499 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Most modern vending machines have a DIP switch inside labeled "DOLLAR COIN ACCEPT". Flipped one way, it takes dollar coins; the other, it doesn't. Next time you catch the vending machine guy, have him twiddle the switch, and voila -- your dollar coins will work. >>



    Cool, I'll try that!
  • dtkk49adtkk49a Posts: 2,490 ✭✭✭
    You went to Mickey D's and Burger King in the same day ? Didn't you see the movie Supersize Me ??
    Follow me - Cards_and_Coins on Instagram



    They call me "Pack the Ripper"
  • If a small percentage of the population demanded to use these coins in commerce every day, retailers would exert pressure on our govt to do away with the paper $.


    No, they'd do away with the dollar coin. And the small percentage would use bills.

  • The whole reason why the dollar coins haven't worked all to successfully is that retailers and the public in general are too ignorant about them and won't accept them as payment. It's the same thing with $2 bills. People don't want the dollar coin not because they want paper over coins, but because they know they'll have trouble spending them. If all retailers were forced to be trained on the new dollar coins and forced to accept them, the public would care less about getting a coin instead of a bill.
    I collect the elements on the periodic table, and some coins. I have a complete Roosevelt set, and am putting together a set of coins from 1880.
  • so yeah..this thread got hijacked...i had a fun time paying for gas and tipping a waitress with the prezzy dollars..even got threatened by the gas attendant lady..."if these arent real its your @$$&quot; was quite funny but generally people accept them and think they are cool. Lets get this tread back on track, lets hear some more stories!!


  • << <i>People don't want the dollar coin not because they want paper over coins, but because they know they'll have trouble spending them. >>



    Jdurg, I assume you work in retail and have some statistical or anecdotal evidence to back up that statement?
    I heard they were making a French version of Medal of Honor. I wonder how many hotkeys it'll have for "surrender."
  • sfs2002usasfs2002usa Posts: 928 ✭✭✭
    I have four of them with the edge lettering reversed i.e. with the reverse face up
    when read normally. I definitely won't spend these. Wondering if anyone has
    seen this?
  • "You went to Mickey D's and Burger King in the same day ? Didn't you see the movie Supersize Me ?? "

    LOL
    I went to McD's for breakfast and KFC for dinner.... I did have a sensible salad for lunch lol.
  • BochimanBochiman Posts: 25,556 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Tried using the coin in a vending machine today...one with the pic of a Sac and label saying "Use the Golden dollar coin here" or something.
    It didn't work.

    Wonder what it is keying off so it won't accept these???

    I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment

  • lordmarcovanlordmarcovan Posts: 43,895 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Got my first three in change at Burger King yesterday afternoon.

    Well, I saw them in the till and asked the girl for them.

    No doubt when the last person spent them, they had an experience similar to yours.

    Explore collections of lordmarcovan on CollecOnline, management, safe-keeping, sharing and valuation solution for art piece and collectibles.
  • TWQGTWQG Posts: 3,145 ✭✭


    << <i>Wonder what would happen if we had a $5 coin? >>

    -It would probably be 5 times as ugly.
  • flaminioflaminio Posts: 5,664 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I have four of them with the edge lettering reversed i.e. with the reverse face up when read normally. I definitely won't spend these. Wondering if anyone has seen this? >>

    Everyone who has seen the Prexybucks has. Edge lettering is applied after the obverse and reverse are impressed, and after the coins have had a chance to tumble. Expect to see 50% lettering up, 50% down. It's a curiousity, but not in any sense rare. Save them if you like, but not because you think they'll ever be worth more than one dollar.
  • TootawlTootawl Posts: 5,877 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>I have four of them with the edge lettering reversed i.e. with the reverse face up when read normally. I definitely won't spend these. Wondering if anyone has seen this? >>

    Everyone who has seen the Prexybucks has. Edge lettering is applied after the obverse and reverse are impressed, and after the coins have had a chance to tumble. Expect to see 50% lettering up, 50% down. It's a curiousity, but not in any sense rare. Save them if you like, but not because you think they'll ever be worth more than one dollar. >>



    I went thru 100 coins Washie dollar coins last night. 52 of them had the letter edge with the obverse up, 48 were with the reverse side up. I did not find any double letter edges or any blank edges.
    PCGS Currency: HOF 2013, Best Low Ball Set 2009-2014, 2016, 2018. Appreciation Award 2015, Best Showcase 2018, Numerous others.
  • BochimanBochiman Posts: 25,556 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Yeah....I've gone through ~50 now and am running about 60/40 split on edge up/edge down for the lettering.

    I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment

  • itsnotjustmeitsnotjustme Posts: 8,779 ✭✭✭
    OK. I have put 8 in circulation.

    One in the church basket (English speaking church in Belgium... most of the basket is Euros with occaisional dollars)
    One to a workmate who knew they existed but had not seen one.
    Six to a retail store. Cashier had never heard of them, looked carefully, then said "Neat".
    Give Blood (Red Bags) & Platelets (Yellow Bags)!
  • pb2ypb2y Posts: 1,461
    Congress lacks the balls to settle the coin-paper issue.
    They will dump it on the nine in black robes.
    It will be stuffed up are giggy like it or not.
    image

  • itsnotjustmeitsnotjustme Posts: 8,779 ✭✭✭
    Nine in Black Robes? The SUpreme Court?

    How will they decide it. They cannot pass laws. They could declare a law unconstitutional I guess, but I don't understand their role in this.
    Give Blood (Red Bags) & Platelets (Yellow Bags)!
  • pb2ypb2y Posts: 1,461
    How will they decide this------------------they don't pass laws
    PLEASE
    image

  • itsnotjustmeitsnotjustme Posts: 8,779 ✭✭✭
    OK... PA-LEASE EXPLAIN
    Give Blood (Red Bags) & Platelets (Yellow Bags)!


  • << <i>

    << <i>People don't want the dollar coin not because they want paper over coins, but because they know they'll have trouble spending them. >>



    Jdurg, I assume you work in retail and have some statistical or anecdotal evidence to back up that statement? >>



    I do a lot of shipping through the post office where these coins have been showing up frequently. I asked the postal worker there how the coins are doing and she said to me "People don't want them. They keep asking me for the Sacagawea coins instead of the president ones. They'll usually complain about how the coins look fake and that it's too much of a hassle to spend them."

    So no, I don't work in retail but I spend a lot of time in retail situations.
    I collect the elements on the periodic table, and some coins. I have a complete Roosevelt set, and am putting together a set of coins from 1880.
  • I spent 13 at an Office Depot without even a second look from the cashier.
    Some call it an accumulation not a collection

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