The changing face of $1 coins
U.S. Mint officials say they believe consumers are ready this time for an alternative to paper dollars, as well as for another collector's item
This time it's going to work, they swear. A $1 coin is the right piece of change at the right time, said the U.S. government, which will unveil the presidential dollar this week. Other attempts, such as the Eisenhower, Susan B. Anthony and Sacagawea, were doomed to fail when $1 coins were deemed obscure or unnecessary. But with inflation, it's become inconvenient to lug around quarters: think parking meters, where one quarter buys about 10 minutes, or laundry machines, where handfuls are required for just two loads. "The timing is much different today than even six years ago," about the time when the Sacagawea golden dollar coins came out, said U.S. Mint Director Edmund Moy. But tell that to Chicago consumers like Derek Duman.

"I prefer as little change as possible," said Duman, 43, who works in sales. "We're becoming a cashless society, so I think it's a waste, personally." While Duman said he liked the idea of presidential coins, he pointed to his cup of Starbucks coffee to make a point. "I just bought this $2 cup with a credit card. I think the coins are cool, but I just don't know how much I'll use them."

Full Article >>>