The aussie idea of only varying the length would work well in the US as ATM machines would only need minimal retrofitting for it.
We don’t need a column on this topic. The recent book Greenback by Jason Goodwin covers this topic and a whole bunch of other stuff about the history of U.S. paper money.
Well this conversation has come full-circle.
The person who told my brother the story in the OP was none other than… Jason Goodwin!
I believe that they were 7 [sup]3[/sup]/[sub]8[/sub]" by 3[sup]1[/sup]/[sub]4[/sub]" -
by a curious coincidence(;)) the same size as the later Hollerith cards, made by the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company, later to become the International Business Machines, that we all know and love.
hear, hear. I think this would be a very interesting topic to get more information.
All in favor, say Aye.
Then perhaps Mr. Goodwin could be asked to provide a citation to back it up?
Let’s not rework our system for printing currency. Everybody will be using debit cards in place of currency within 5 years! If I’m wrong, send me an e-mail in March 2008.
The new Canadian $5 and $10 bills have braille on them to assist the blind.
And I suppose we’ll all be using flying cars by 2011? You check your Inbox, March 2008. I think you’ll be getting something. 
I doubt that it’s worth an article.
Thanks for making me aware of the book, BobT. I hope that Goodwin doesn’t turn out to be another “Bill Bryson,” writing about subjects which he has superficially researched, but writing in a great style which makes the public love him.
Uh oh! Upon Googling a bit, I found a review which is probably quoting Goodwin that a “buck” as a name for a dollar came from the amount of goods that a buckskin in trade would bring at the local general store. I’ll have to get the book this weekend and digest it.
The concept that Democracy was responsible is probably hooey. But I’d best not get on my high horse until I read Goodwin’s exact words. .
As the movie Daredevil has demonstrated, it is easy to change the size of bills through a simplified form of origami.
Yes, we’re supposed to be getting that this fall, but the designs haven’t been made public yet.
Greenback is anecdotal and superficial. It glides over the standardization and regulation of national banknotes in a few sentences, and all but ignores the later transition to Federal Reserve Notes. In an admittedly quick skim, I saw nothing which would address the OP, other than the common-sense observation that Americans are conservative about changing their currency.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing had a committee publish a report about “Currency Features for Visually Impaired People”, which probably discusses this issue.
On my calender.
I am inclined to agree.
I currently use my ATM to pay for my gas, water, phone, mortgage, cable and every other bill (other than electricity that charges an extra fee) by phone, on the day it is due.
No worry about when the money gets there, no checking fees, and the authorization codes are proof the bill was paid.
I probably use less than $20.00 in cash per week.
I used to take more cash out on the weekend, and discovered that the more I took out, the more I spent. Now, using only ATM’s and debit purchases, I spend what I need and not a penny more.
I’m betting ease of use + tradition.
It’s probably for the best though… I was reading this documentary on the troubles of various monetary systems; for example,