2017 Cents to Have "P" Mint Mark

[GrumpyEd]

First off, a cent is only a tool used for exchange and the cost to make it has nothing to do with the value it represents. If it is used 100 times, does that make it worth 1 dollar, or used 10,000 times, worth 100 dollars ?

In a way I agree but the question is do we need the tool or can we round off like we do when buying gas. If they truly got used a lot like in the past it might be worth it. Now they make 10 billion of them each year and because the value is so low many people fill a container and don't bother to re-use them. If they were truly being re-used then a years production of 10 billion is all we need because we only need 4 cents per citizen to have the right change. That means one year of making 10 billion should last almost forever. It doesn't because so many people have them in containers instead of spending them.

[jfines69]

Well, for Feb.(picked a short month since I was in a hurry this morning) would only be $932,582.68 I believe!
I don't think even the pockets on my cargo pants would hold them all!

How much would that be on a month with 31 days

[VAB2013]

It doesn't because so many people have them in containers instead of spending them.

All we want is addresses!!

[jfines69]

I think it was interesting that the addition of the "P" was recommended by mint workers as an achievement. Is that kinda like getting a tattoo to celebrate something special or was the conversation more like.... Denver has a D... we want a P!

That's what the bathroom is for

[jfines69]

This is one argument against the cent, that I call a red herring. First off, a cent is only a tool used for exchange and the cost to make it has nothing to do with the value it represents. If it is used 100 times, does that make it worth 1 dollar, or used 10,000 times, worth 100 dollars ? The idea that government can manufacture wealth out of non-precious metals or paper is ridiculous....using that logic they should only create one million dollar bills. And yes, I know they try, but it is all an illusion in the end...one day we will pay the piper.

Can we pay the Piper in Pennies

[Maineman750]

In a way I agree but the question is do we need the tool or can we round off like we do when buying gas. If they truly got used a lot like in the past it might be worth it. Now they make 10 billion of them each year and because the value is so low many people fill a container and don't bother to re-use them. If they were truly being re-used then a years production of 10 billion is all we need because we only need 4 cents per citizen to have the right change. That means one year of making 10 billion should last almost forever. It doesn't because so many people have them in containers instead of spending them.

Yes, I've heard that....but I wonder how true it is...everybody I know saves them and almost everybody cashes them in after they have about a gallon, so in theory they should return to circulation. I don't know of anybody with a large quantity..and believe me, it is something I ask. I also save all of my other change instead of carrying it in my pockets. At a glance, the ratio of nickels, dimes and quarters is roughly the same through the years, so maybe it's just that a larger population needs more coins. The rounding idea is what scares me....I don't trust the government to ever round down unless they are paying you

[Frank]

...when people see a P on their cents and ask if it is an error!

You'd think that would promote an awful lot of verdigris...or rust on steelies

[enamel7]

I believe that if they do away with cents in the future, I'm not in favor of rounding up like the government suggest. I say make a coin the same size and copper plated. Then call it a three cent piece! No need to round because every two makes an even amount. This would be cost efficient for the mint and not allow the government to get those extra cents by rounding up.

[Frank]

I believe that if they do away with cents in the future, I'm not in favor of rounding up like the government suggest. I say make a coin the same size and copper plated. Then call it a three cent piece! No need to round because every two makes an even amount. This would be cost efficient for the mint and not allow the government to get those extra cents by rounding up.

I love this idea!

[Maineman750]

I believe that if they do away with cents in the future, I'm not in favor of rounding up like the government suggest. I say make a coin the same size and copper plated. Then call it a three cent piece! No need to round because every two makes an even amount. This would be cost efficient for the mint and not allow the government to get those extra cents by rounding up.

I guess I'm not understanding you.....how would you deal with 2 or 4 cents without rounding ?

[enamel7]

Let's say something was 20¢. You could pay with 2 dimes or 4 nickels or 5 three cent pieces and a nickel. Pay with a quarter and get a nickel back. Forms that require 2 or 4 cent in change you would just have to use extra coin to get the right change back. It's not perfect, but it keeps the government hands out of it. Besides, we had these before in our history, they were honestly just too small!

[GrumpyEd]

I believe that if they do away with cents in the future, I'm not in favor of rounding up like the government suggest. I say make a coin the same size and copper plated. Then call it a three cent piece! No need to round because every two makes an even amount. This would be cost efficient for the mint and not allow the government to get those extra cents by rounding up.

Good idea but cashiers and customers need to know math, LOL.... someone can make a smart phone app.

I guess I'm not understanding you.....how would you deal with 2 or 4 cents without rounding ?

You need to overpay then get change but need to think to figure it out.

To pay 2 cents you give four 3 centers and get a dime back.
To pay 4 cents you give a dime and a nickel and three 3 centers and get 2 dimes back.

A side benefit is everyone will learn math and it takes more coins in play to get it to work.

[Maineman750]

Good idea but cashiers and customers need to know math, LOL.... someone can make a smart phone app.

I can just see the cashiers at McDonald's....my bill is $1.04 and I give him a dollar and a nickel.....his cell phone explodes

[jfines69]

I can just see the cashiers at McDonald's....my bill is $1.04 and I give him a dollar and a nickel.....his cell phone explodes

And a short time later he collapses onto the floor from a brain failure

[Frank]

I can just see the cashiers at McDonald's....my bill is $1.04 and I give him a dollar and a nickel.....his cell phone explodes

Hahahaha!!!

Ever see those commercials for Jet.com? POOF!