Then again, fellow coin collectors one and all, with all that is going on in the world of numismatics we will always find a subject of notice.

Except…where would we then display the likeness of our greatest president?

However, if the Mint had previously already put the kibosh on these curious “antiques” we wouldn’t currently have any reason to engage in this rather interesting discussion, and that, I think, would be a real shame.

c_q,

Quick re-use of any change acquired would indeed seem to be the most efficient way to get coinage back into much-needed general circulation. Unfortunately, as for one possible way of spending it, the self-checkout machines in my neck of the woods only take bills; I would be forced back into the “personned” lanes which I try to avoid due to the lousy bagging.

whenever i get change, I try to use it again (after a quick scan for anything unusual) so I don’t collect too much of it. my favorite way to use change is at grocery store self-checkout lanes that will take pretty much any denomination, including cents, that way I don’t feel like I’m causing issues for a cashier to have to spend time counting what I hand them.

It’s either the allegedly ubiquitous Illuminati or the surviving descendants of lost Atlantis; one of those population groups is up to no good with our nation’s coinage.

Using change in personal commerce involves two specific requirements. The first, which is merely a bother, is to be willing to carry it around. The second, which is more tangibly difficult, is to be able to calculate change, and that sometimes poses a problem.

but the vast majority of people use plastic to pay, and don’t even touch coins. so somehow all these coins are being used by a small number of people.

c_q,

To borrow your accurate observation, “again, half of the coins made are cents that are destined for the sidewalks and couch cushions across America.” Not to mention piggy banks, jars, jugs, buckets, cans, boxes, bags and the random drawer.

In other words, making cents instead of sense is a total waste of metals, energy and time. Doesn’t the Mint have better ways to apply its always limited resources?