Best of luck with that…I think.

Hey CQ —
Why don’t they give the Banks a break … like 2 pennies for a nickel?
— Mike

I think, Craig, we’re getting hit from two sides more than ever these days. The inflation of prices in general is currently running at a record or at least near record pace while the Mint is clearly serious about keeping up with that inflationary rate to protect itself from its own higher expenses. Meanwhile, our own income sources aren’t by any means or standards keeping up with these inflationary forces so we’re consequently compelled to make ever more difficult choices as to what we can or will allot our personal financial resources to. In the final analysis, when it comes to a choice between imperative and discretionary expenditures, the former always have to take precedence. Food, shelter, utilities and transportation trump coin buying any day, so here we are left with a constantly shrinking coin budget. And so it goes.

With the Feds you don’t have a choice on taxes…well I guess if you want to go to jail (that used to be the case when laws mattered in this country) or pay an even more extreme penalty…then you do. As far as the coins go, that’s a choice people will make based on their own financial situation and desires. I’ve made the decision not to pay double for “clad” coins.

Codicil to above: Not that any of us are given a say about it, as in “pay up or face the consequences.” Extortion, gummint style?

Good for you, Major D, especially since a well made business strike looks sharp.

Yes, but that applies to anyone who is subject to the Federal Income Tax.

I’m going to opt for there being a madness to the Mint’s method.

Those who make a living out of spending them don’t contribute anything.