Numismatic News

Should the U.S. replace its $1 paper note with a coin? Why or why not?

Yes, replace the paper dollar with a dollar coin. Dollar coins will last longer than paper dollars. Paper dollars will not have to be printed. There will be savings for the U.S. government’s taxpayers. As paper dollars disappear from circulation, the need for coins will increase.

However, a few caveats, if I may:

1. Don’t demonetize the paper dollar. Just let commerce take its course. When paper dollars are returned to the Treasury, dispose of them accordingly. But do not set a time limit or some sort of requirement for individuals to “turn in” paper dollars.

2.a Please, please, please change the alloy of the current dollar coin. Something that will not dull and tarnish into an unattractive disc, resembling a slug that might be used to swindle vending machines. If need be, consider a bimetallic coin. At least one of the metal surfaces might retain some luster, and not be dull to look at.

2.b Slight change to current design: replace the “$1” rendition with the “One Dollar” spelled-out variation.

2.c Another change: I wouldn’t mind at all if the coin returned to full size, like the Eisenhower dollar coins.

2.d One more change: In addition to Sacagewea, show images of other Tribal historical figures (e.g. Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, Sequoyah, Mankiller, Parker, etc.) on the obverses of dollar coins in a rotating manner.

Ranse Clark Address withheld

The U.S. Treasury should not replace the $1 paper bill with a coin. Even if the paper dollar was eliminated, the $2 paper bill will be the bill of choice vs. a $1 coin.

Steve Cheaney Address Withheld

Paper money is lightweight. Keep it that way.

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