Back in 2000 or so when they were new, I used a couple to pay the toll to cross a bridge. Handed them over, drove through. A few weeks later, I got a bill in the mail for unpaid toll plus a fine. Tried to do my part to help them circulate, and that's the price I paid.
I'll be going to my bank today for a cash withdrawal (yes some of us old timers still use cash) and this video makes me want to ask for ten bucks in dollar coins to play with.
I am very surprised small dollar coins aren't more widely known in the States, as quite a lot of slot machines take them and give them in change. Many of the $1 coins in my collection came from stamp machines at Post Offices and when buying tickets for metro systems. I've never had any refused in the States (unlike half dollars) but once in a burger restaurant the cashier had to summon a senior member of staff before agreeing to accept them!
..."what a special day this must be for you..."...that was hilarious...kudos to the young lady with the coins...great story (&wonderfully edited, enacted video as well) ... I've been spending Ikes lately, & have yet to get a negative response ... anyway ... my wife & I are busting a gut laughing over this video ...
Genuinely surprised that folks aren't familiar with the dollar coins, what with the advertising blitz that accompanied the introduction of the Sacagawea dollars. But then, that was in 2000.
In my locale, all of the car washes dispense them as change. There is a vending machine at work that also issues them as change. About 20% of them are SBA dollars, and I spend those first--what an awful-looking coin.
Perhaps interestingly, my grandparents operated a rural grocery store until 1981. They put every SBA, Ike dollar, Wheat cent, silver coin, and $2 bill they received into the safe. When I inherited the accumulation, there was less than $20 in SBAs and all were AU55 or MS. These coins were simply unloved back then.
Reminds me of the time I was in a store and I attempted to pay for my purchase with some dollar coins. The cashier took the coins and then called the manager on the phone. When the manager answered, she asked, "Are we accepting tokens?"
I've told this story before, but several years ago, I paid for my meal at McDonald's with Sac dollars. The cashier (remember them?) said "that's not money!" Had to call the manager over before she would take them.
"Nummi rari mira sunt, si sumptus ferre potes." - Christophorus filius Scotiae
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Posted 03/02/2025 6:31 pm
