# Dollar Coins... Where are they? What happened? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [November 24, 2000, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-coins-where-are-they-what-happened/42553 "2000-11-24T17:55:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2000, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-coins-where-are-they-what-happened/42553/21 "2000-11-25T15:34:47Z")
> [@](#): > > I’ve only heard it with an “ahh” sound for the first vowel. I’ll admit that I got my pronunciation from _Schoolhouse Rock_ back in the '70s. They pronounced a short “a”, as in “sack”. ---
**Author:** ![scratch1300](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dfb087/32.png) [@scratch1300](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scratch1300)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2000, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-coins-where-are-they-what-happened/42553/22 "2000-11-25T15:38:07Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Johnny L.A. \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > I’ve only heard it with an “ahh” sound for the first vowel. > > I’ll admit that I got my pronunciation from _Schoolhouse Rock_ back in the '70s. They pronounced a short “a”, as in “sack”. > \*\* Thanks a lot **Johnny**. Now I’ll have “Elbow Room” running through my head for the rest of the day. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2000, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-coins-where-are-they-what-happened/42553/23 "2000-11-25T15:47:49Z")
> [@](#): > > Thanks a lot Johnny. Now I’ll have “Elbow Room” running through my head for the rest of the day. Give me a sackie, and I’ll promise not to mention _Interplanet Janet_, _Figure Eight_, _Get Your Adverbs Here_ or _Conjunction Junction_. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Typo\_Negative](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/typo_negative/32/484_2.png) [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2000, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-coins-where-are-they-what-happened/42553/24 "2000-11-25T15:55:08Z")
There’s a change machine in the vending are at my college. I put in a sawbuck and it gives me 4 quarters and 9 dollar coins…that are roughly the same size and appearance as the newly minted quarters. You quessed it, I eventually spent them **as quarters!** I’m an idiot. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2000, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-coins-where-are-they-what-happened/42553/25 "2000-11-25T16:02:28Z")
> [@](#): > > You quessed it, I eventually spent them as quarters! Were they sackies; or Suzies? Suzies are fairly-easily mistaken for quarters, but I’ve never confused sackies for quarters. Neither will register as quarters in a vending machine. ---
**Author:** ![el\_mono](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ea666f/32.png) [@el\_mono](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/el_mono)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2000, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-coins-where-are-they-what-happened/42553/26 "2000-11-25T16:17:06Z")
While assigned to Europe in the early 80’s I was surprised to discover that all of those crazy two dollar bills and Susan B’s that went unused in the States had been unloaded on the military overseas. It was common to received those currencies in change whenever shopping at the PX, commissary, or any retail outlet leased to the military. After a short while I became used to using the dollar coins and even missed them for a short while once I returned state-side. Ditto for the bills. And not that it matters but I still miss fresh German beer! ---
**Author:** ![handy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5a626/32.png) [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2000, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-coins-where-are-they-what-happened/42553/27 "2000-11-25T16:22:46Z")
Alzarian, I went to the bank, asked the clerk for one, & she gave me one. ---
**Author:** ![Markxxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5daacb/32.png) [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2000, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-coins-where-are-they-what-happened/42553/28 "2000-11-25T16:51:33Z")
Unless they take $1 bills out of circulation a dollar coin can’t make it. I don’t want $9 in coins in my pocket. It’s too heavy. It jingles when I walk. I live in Chgo and the homeless hear that and they are all over you. Gimme your change. Plus vending machines are selective. At Logan Square subway stop the change machine will give you the sacs or susan-bs but only the susan bs will work in the fare machines. I found at least 3 other stations where this is true. So I have gotten $10 worth of sacs and can’t use them. I have to pay in dollars to get the next subway stop and go out and then use the sacs to put on the fare card. The simple matter is clerks don’t give them back as change. And I bet if any clerk tries to the custormer would ask for paper. Also the golden color on the sacs is cheap and it rubs off quite easily. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2000, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-coins-where-are-they-what-happened/42553/29 "2000-11-25T17:05:08Z")
> [@](#): > > Plus vending machines are selective. At Logan Square subway stop the change machine will give you the sacs or susan-bs but only the susan bs will work in the fare machines. Are you sure? The sackie was specifically designed to work in the same machines as the Suzies. Here’s what the U.S. Mint [http://www.usmint.gov/mint\_programs/golden\_dollar\_coin/b2b/index.cfm?action=FAQ](http://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/golden_dollar_coin/b2b/index.cfm?action=FAQ) has to say: > [@](#): > > \*\*Q: How do we prepare for the change? \*\* > Most vending machines, transit box or coin-separating machines placed in service after 1980 are already equipped to handle the new Golden Dollar with a minor investment. With the introduction of this coin, you may want to upgrade bill acceptors to receive higher denomination bills. And to capitalize on the value of the Golden Dollar, it is recommended that you initially place upgraded machines in high-traffic locations. If you go to the U.S. Mint website and search on “golden dollar” (they haven’t picked up on the **sackie** term yet ;)) you can find more information. ---
**Author:** ![sulawesi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bbe5ce/32.png) [@sulawesi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sulawesi)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2000, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-coins-where-are-they-what-happened/42553/30 "2000-11-25T17:35:50Z")
I definitely agree with **Markxxx**. Coins are not only loud and heavy, but the biggest problem I have is whenever I sit down, they fall out of my pocket. I have lost hundreds of quarters this way over the years, and often I don’t realize it until later. Bills are much easier to hang onto and as **spooje** said, clerks don’t confuse them with quarters. It’s happened to me too. I don’t see any reason for the change except for the novelty value. Those coins can’t possibly cost less to make either. ---
**Author:** ![Arnold\_Winkelried](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2000, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-coins-where-are-they-what-happened/42553/31 "2000-11-25T17:55:35Z")
I’m in the Johnny L.A. (hi Johnny!) and zev\_steinhardt camp. I get them and reuse them. My two sources: [ul] [li]from stamp machines[/li][li]ask for a couple of rolls when I’m at the credit union[/li][/ul] The true vanishing coin is the Kennedy half dollar! I **never** see any of those. Does anybody know of a source for that elusive numismatic item? My credit union doesn’t seem to have rolls of the 50¢ piece. ---
**Author:** ![scratch1300](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dfb087/32.png) [@scratch1300](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scratch1300)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2000, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-coins-where-are-they-what-happened/42553/32 "2000-11-25T18:00:10Z")
**Zero** , the cost-savings is not in the production; it’s in the fact that coins last a lot longer than bills. Though here in New England I just do _not_ see them being used. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2000, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-coins-where-are-they-what-happened/42553/33 "2000-11-25T18:00:41Z")
(Hi Arnold!) > [@](#): > > The true vanishing coin is the Kennedy half dollar! I never see any of those. Does anybody know of a source for that elusive numismatic item? My credit union doesn’t seem to have rolls of the 50¢ piece. Vending machines don’t accept half-dollars, so the demand isn’t high. Since the demand isn’t there, I think not many are made. Since not many are made, people tend to hoard them when they get them. I’ve found _one_ place that regularly gives them out as change: **Tito’s Tacos** on Washington (the north one – I don’t remember if that’s Washington Blvd. or Washington Place) and Sepulveda in Culver City. ---
**Author:** ![scratch1300](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dfb087/32.png) [@scratch1300](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scratch1300)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2000, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-coins-where-are-they-what-happened/42553/34 "2000-11-25T18:16:03Z")
Yeah, that half-dollar thing is strange. I have known quite a few people who save those things when they get them, under the impression that they are of special worth, or will be if they hold on to them. Which of course won’t happen, since so many people are doing it. Folks, they are worth _fifty cents_. Maybe some of this is influenced by the fact that some of them are silver, and _are_ worth a bit more? Before 1965 they are 90% silver (like dimes and quarters), and from 1965 until 1970 they were 50% silver. So there’s a reson to cull _those_ ones from your pocket change. But the ordinary ones just won’t appreciate. ---
**Author:** ![\_hijack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/_/c0e974/32.png) [@\_hijack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/_hijack)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2000, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-coins-where-are-they-what-happened/42553/35 "2000-11-25T18:21:42Z")
Actually “Demand” is measured at the Bank level, not the cash register. Unfortunately, the Feds can’t put money directly into circulation. The banks have to order it. And at first, they have to Special order it. Banks don’t like $2 bills, dollar coins, and halves because they are just more things to order, more redundant inventory. When they don’t order them, they return to the mint worn and stop circulating. They’ve done it with the $50. They will soon do that with the $10, I’m afraid, since they have no use in ATMs and the teller windows have dwindles. ---
**Author:** ![bibliophage](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bibliophage/32/7615_2.png) [@bibliophage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bibliophage)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2000, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-coins-where-are-they-what-happened/42553/36 "2000-11-25T18:57:40Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Arnold Winkelried \* > \*\* > The true vanishing coin is the Kennedy half dollar! I **never** see any of those. Does anybody know of a source for that elusive numismatic item? My credit union doesn’t seem to have rolls of the 50¢ piece. \*\* Almost any bank should be able to give you the Kennedy halves. In my experience, you don’t need to have an account at the bank to exchange coins. I get all my halves from New Hampshire toll booths. If the toll is 50¢ and I pay with a one-dollar bill, they usually give me a Kennedy half as change. ---
**Author:** ![Arnold\_Winkelried](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2000, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-coins-where-are-they-what-happened/42553/37 "2000-11-25T19:11:54Z")
I’ll try that again bibliophage. Since I have credit union accounts I don’t set foot in banks much, and last time I tried getting change at a bank I was told “customers only”. Maybe the teller was having a bad day? I’ll go to a couple of banks next week in quest of the half dollar. ---
**Author:** ![laughery](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@laughery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/laughery)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2000, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-coins-where-are-they-what-happened/42553/38 "2000-11-25T20:42:53Z")
Unless there is a strong effort to flood the system with these coins, it’s unlikely they will last. People (even non-numismatists) tend to collect unusual coins when they first come out, and spend the familiar ones. Case in point…my brother has a half-dime (I forget the year, but it’s old) which has a double-headed arrow on the back. The arrow was put there to indicate that the coin was in some way different from the previously minted coins of the same denomination and year. There were relatively few of these minted, but because they were novel, a large percentage of them were removed from circulation by collectors. The regular coins became very rare because most of the current mintage was spent. The result is that my brother’s “rare” coin is worth almost nothing today, but the regular coins, although millions were made, is worth considerably more. Go figure. ---
**Author:** ![manhattan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/manhattan/32/7_2.png) [@manhattan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/manhattan)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2000, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-coins-where-are-they-what-happened/42553/39 "2000-11-25T22:42:47Z")
**Cecil Adams** on [Kennedy Half Dollars](http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a5_024.html). ---
**Author:** ![barbitu8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/839c29/32.png) [@barbitu8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/barbitu8)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2000, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-coins-where-are-they-what-happened/42553/40 "2000-11-25T22:51:05Z")
If you buy a book of stamps at the post office vending machine, it will give you change in Sacagawea coin dollars, which are the same size as quarters, but have flat edges. I’ve had to explain to a cashier that they were dollars and not quarters. I don’t know why anyone would want them. A lot of cashier-type people think they’re quarters and you can easily think the same. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-coins-where-are-they-what-happened/42553.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-coins-where-are-they-what-happened/42553.md?page=3)