Coupon Values

Ok, maybe this has been answered elsewhere. If so, forgive me and gently point me to the right source

Why is it on the bottom of coupons, you always see that fine print reading "Actual Cash Value 1/100th of one cent" or words to that effect. I understand that it means that you can't take a 20¢ coupon and go to the store demanding 20¢ for it, but can you take 100 of them and demand a penny? This is hypothetical of course, as I have better things to do. Is there some formula for how much a coupon is "worth"? I noticed that my can of Coke which is good for $10 off admission to Six Flags has a cash value of 1/20th of one cent, so does the "value" of the coupon increase by how much the coupon is good for?

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"I guess it is possible for one person to make a difference, although most of the time they probably shouldn't."

Cecil did cover it in one of his books. Perhaps it's in the searchable archive.

Some years ago you could collect a whole bunch of coupons, mail them to the vendor, and get an actual check for the total cash value. Trouble is, since 20 coupons=1 cent, it took a hell of a lot of coupons just to cover the cost of postage.

Guy is correct: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_329c.html

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"We're gonna have lawyers here. It'll be a fun time."
--R.R.S.

Thanks.. I must of either missed that one or forgot I read it. 'Sides, Cecil's answer made more sense then the theory that I can quit my job and start collecting billions of coupons to mail in and live like a king on my pennies.

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"I guess it is possible for one person to make a difference, although most of the time they probably shouldn't."