$5 Circulating Coins

I agree with Spider, except the fact that if I remember correctly, the 1 euro is much smaller in diameter than an Ike or Sac for that matter. The euros are more like thick nickels aren't they? That being said, that seems a little easier to carry around than even the new dollars. They are heavier, but you certainly wouldn't need as many to have a decent amount of money in your pocket.

I can't blame anyone in the 70's prior to Susan B, not wanting to go to coins. Those dollars were way to big IMO for everyday change. Then the Susan B's were too close to the quarter. Again, if I remember, the euro coins had a definite weight and thickness to the touch compared to lower denominations. Just my 2 cents as well.

I took a couple day trips to Canada when I was living in Vermont in the late 90s. It seems that the $1 and $2 coins were very popular there. Does anyone know if they still make $1 or $2 bills there?

Thundercoin

" Can you not get a one or two Euro paper bill?"

No, the smallest is 5 Euros, followed by 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 Euro notes.

Does anyone know if they still make $1 or $2 bills there?

No bills, just Loonies and Toonies.

[quote][/the dollar coin lasts longer in circulation than the bill.quote]


Does anyone have any idea how long the average bill lasts in circulation?

Thundercoin

It's obvious many here have not been reading other forums where people discuss how difficult it is to actually spend a half dollar or a $2 bill and they are actually real. I've had to many people try to refuse a half dollar as a kids coin or something. And $2 bills no one believes are real. There is an insurance add on TV lately noting how people take their change and put it in cans, jars, etc because they don't like to carry all that weight. And now someone suggests another coin that will not be liked, used and burn holes in my pocket. I never carry change as it is now. Why would I want one more that will not be taken. Look inside a modern cash register. No place for half dollars, $2 bills, etc. Not a good idea.

quote:

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According to statistics a handfull of metal coins 200 years ago had an enormous amount purchasing power.

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You have to remember that much more recently than that, a handful of coins had intrinsic value--that is what made them money. They were agreed-upon medium of exchange. The alternative was much more cumbersome--hauling around chickens and bags of grain for trade. Paper was just a promissory note.

There is now sufficient trust in the system that money can be metal, paper, plastic, or digital.

We don't need a five-dollar coin or a one-dollar coin or a one-dollar bill, for that matter. We use what we're accustomed to. One day, we'll wonder how we ever did without the next thing that we haven't heard of yet.

Also, if they start issuing a 5 dollar coin, it would raise our mint and proof set prices out of this world.

quote texasmick: "...Also, if they start issuing a 5 dollar coin, it would raise our mint and proof set prices out of this world."

I used to buy proof sets back in the 80s. They included only 5 coins and if I remember correctly, they cost $11. Now the new 2007 proof sets have 10 coins and cost $22.95 (or $37.95 for the silver). So essentially over 20 years there's really no cost increase, the number of coins and the price has doubled. Factor in inflation, they actually cost less now then they did then.

Now, if congress votes favorably on my idea..



..and starts minting the $5 coin, of course set prices will rise, but I say we'll still be ahead of the game!

Quote: I took a couple day trips to Canada when I was living in Vermont in the late 90s. It seems that the $1 and $2 coins were very popular there. Does anyone know if they still make $1 or $2 bills there?

They don't make them any more. They're mostly collector's items now but I think they are still legal tender and can be used.