Time for Change. Coins Are More Than Just Money
By Steve Bryan
Time for Change
The United States Congress is once again contemplating several issues regarding our currency and coins. These include the Dollar, Quarter, and Cent. Many in congress wish to stay with the current designs, and pass laws so that they cannot be changed.
The first law governing coin designs dates back to 1792. Many during this time wanted our nation's coins to bear the image of George Washington. Washington was very adamant against this idea, referring to a coin bearing the image of a person to being monarchical. In September of 1792 the Morris bill proposed our coins bear the emblematic image of Liberty. Rep. John Page, who served under Washington during the French and Indian wars not only echoed the presidential objection, but pointed out that however pleased they might be with the incumbent, there was no reason to believe that their descendants would be pleased with some of his successors. Other members of Congress insisted that it was no real compliment to place an image of Washington on a coin. The basic principles of coinage design were not for honoring people. It was hoped by the founding fathers that our coinage would represent and honor all of America. Lady Liberty was chosen as the design because she represented one of our foremost rights. A symbol that every American could understand and embrace. This bill was signed into law on April 2, 1792. This act is the basis for subsequent American coinage laws; it is known as "Statute One".
The law of September 26, 1890 stated that changes in the designs of United States coins cannot be made more often than every twenty-five years without congressional approval. Any design circulating twenty-five years or more could be changed without their approval. Since that date, all denominations have changed, many times without the need of congressional action. Today, congress is infringing upon this law. The Jefferson five cent coin by the new law will revert back to an image of Jefferson and Monticello in 2006. Congress is also considering a bill that would require the image of Washington to become permanent on the Quarter, along with Lincoln on the Cent. They are following the early logic of Henry Ford. Mr. Ford thought that one car in one color was good enough for the masses. American's did not accept this logic then, and we should not be forced to accept it now.
We as Americans love and embrace change. We expect this in our fashions, cars, televisions, and in our everyday lives. Would any of us be happy if the manufacturers of America decided that the current design were the best for us, and never again created anything new or different? Are we so arrogant to believe that our choices today are suitable and acceptable for future generations?
The first design change of the Washington quarter took place in 1999. This was the first major change since 1932. The United States Mint estimates that more than 100 million American's collect the State Quarters. That equates to 1 in 3 of American's collecting coins. The proof is plain for all to see. What will happen to the 100 million plus American's that are currently collecting these coins when the designs revert back to the same as they have been? What will be the reason to continue collect coins? The United States Mint and the Bureau of Engraving earn much of their profits by reissuing currency that is no longer in circulation. If our coins and currency are never again changed, why would anyone want to pull it out of circulation? This will require the government to wait for them to wear out. While currency has an average circulation of 18 to 24 months, coinage can circulate up to 38 years.
Most Americans today have only witnessed a few minor design changes in our currency. The last major change before the State Quarter program, was replacing Franklin on the half dollar with Kennedy. Now we have five of six coins bearing the likeness of a president. A new bill is currently being heard on capital hill regarding a new dollar design. This will make our sixth and final coin bearing a presidential design. The bill would create a new circulating commemorative coin honoring each president in their order of holding office. Most American's would agree that all of these men do not need to be honored in this fashion. Our founding fathers knew this.
Our current elected leaders have still not figured this out. They haven't learned that change equals a good thing. They insist that we maintain our lackluster currency and coinage in a mundane attempt at keeping the political peace. Proponents for the current designs have only one good argument for keeping the images present forever. That wish is to continue honoring these great men. That none should be lost to history. Our founding fathers knew that this was no honor. How can we honor these men while we are choosing not to honor their wish of not allowing a person to be placed on a coin?
Every coin collector is aware at just how stagnant our coinage has been. The designs are stale and mediocre at best. It does not take much effort to find coins dating back 30 years or more in our pocket change. This is directly related to a lack of interest. Many studies have been made on circulating quarters. More eagle reverse Washington quarters are found in change than the new state quarters. Collectors across the country tell the tale of how difficult it is to find the newest quarter in circulation. All of the new designs have helped to spark school curriculums, and a revitalized interest in our nation's history. I would think that this would be a lesson to all involved. We need change. Even if the decision is made that the current images are to be retained, they should be updated on a regular basis. If congress wishes to update the coinage law, it should be that all designs are required to be changed every 25 years, not etched into "forever".
It is time to inform congress, that it is time for change.
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