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 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,090 |
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Valued Member
United States
372 Posts |
Ok, I'm torn. I am currently in Iraq and the only way to get any change around here is to actually buy it in bulk bags. We use the military POGS here instead. When I moved into my "empty" room I found three wheat cents in the drawer so I was wondering if I should give a $100 bag of pennies a chance. The only downside is I might not be able to turn them back in and I reallllly don't want to be stuck with a bag to bring or ship home. The other option would be to get a bag of dimes or quarters and search for silver, but still I don't know.
What would you do?
Mike
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3499 Posts |
hmm, I didn't know that that much change was even over there. I really thought that POGS and other tokens were used by the military. I say don't for now since it would be way too much of a burden to haul the bag around.
Also, what kind of coins are in circulation amongst the civilians of Iraq? I would try to get my hands on some of those. After all, there are plenty of US cents back in the US for you to dig through.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
790 Posts |
When in Iraq, look for Iraqi coins! What would you do with $100 in cents if you were stuck? Lose $100 is my guess. Wait on the US coin search and find what's around.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2589 Posts |
You might want to try to buy what change you can off the people around you and see what you find in that. I'm sure many of the fellows over their would rather have paper dollars rather than any spare change they have laying around.
-XoG
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Valued Member
 United States
372 Posts |
I certainly don't want to have a $100 bag of pennies sitting around with no way to get rid of it so perhaps I will pass on it. I have one Iraqi local on the base that is looking for stuff for me in the local market and I think I should ask him to find old silver coins too.
I couldn't believe, actually I was floored, when the jewelry store on base decided to carry a few bullion silver coins. I initially thought to myself "cool, now I don't have to order from the states". But, get this, they wanted $280 for a 2 1/2 ounce silver coin. That is around $240 more than what it should be!! He was trying to get their silver jewelry price of around $6.50 a gram for a bullion coin. ARGGGHHHH I was so pi...umm....upset. I am working with the AAFES branch to inform them that it's just not right and they understand me. The woman thinks he should either sell them at spot price or get rid of them. I'm glad she's on my side.
Ok, I'm done venting.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8904 Posts |
mmerc20!  I, for one, would personally like to thank you for what you are doing. I know it's not easy but it is really important and you are a true patriot and hero for doing it. Thank you!  (As far as your coins go: I might try one bag and see if you get anything. And then maybe ship it home? How much would it cost to ship one bag home? Maybe you'll make enough in your search to make it worth your while...) |
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Valued Member
United States
265 Posts |
You hear about hoards of coins being found overseas that was used long ago to pay American debts. I think it would be fun to search through the Iraqi bags to see what was floating around. Never know what you might find. I would go for it!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2541 Posts |
Try and pickup a few bundles of old Saddam Hussein notes for cheap.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6326 Posts |
When my Cousin was there, he got me some Saddam Hussein paper notes. I like em'...... in a future historical weird sort of way. But, I would think you'd have a chance to get, not only some other kind of foreign silver coinage, but possibly some really neat multi-national money from your "friend" who's checking around for you ! That could be awesome......he might even locate some "old" foreign stuff.....you never know !.....I'd keep after him ! .... I'd just pursue "Middle East" Silver, instead of U.S. Silver, while you're over there ! (or whatever comes your way) And thanks for your service from me too ! .... Edited by eaglefoot
09/16/2009 4:02 pm
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Valued Member
United States
372 Posts |
Thanks a lot everyone. It is certainly nice to know we have your support.
What "common" silver coinage should I be asking for around here? I don't know anything about the coins of the middle east. What could be bought for bullion price? The closest silver I know of are the Indian rupees.
Mike
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,090 |
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Posted 09/14/2009 8:15 pm
