Only as strong as my dump banks...

Spend them

While it would not work quite well for pennies/cents or nickels, when I buy and search half dollars, I keep them and then spend them. The reaction from kids at fast food places is often priceless

 

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I found out something really amazing, as a result of my dump bank's machine being on the fritz. As I was headed home, I stopped in a liquor store and bought 5 items. I paid all in quarters, which I had put a huge handful in my pocket (9.00). The guy noticed I had a lot more, so he said he would take all my quarters and give me cash. He says he needs them. So I said if he wanted more, I had more in the car and he said yes, he'd take all my quarters. Turns out I cashed in just under 100.00 in quarters. This was Saturday, mid-morning. He said he'd be out of them by Sunday night (by using them to give change to people). I also asked if he had to "buy" his change, and he said sometimes. So this benefited both of us. He indicated I could come anytime and cash out my quarters with him.

There is another small restaurant that sometimes exchanges bills for up to about 25.00 in change (dimes/quarters).

Just an idea. Get to know your local merchants and start spreading the joy.

 

Most of my searching is straps of $1 bills, but a lot of it carries over IMHO.

@Doug21:
I reuse the same wrappers. less waste, and the wrappers are already folded.

@Kasia:
I often exchange small bills at assorted retail locations

 

sometimes I search in the bank and cash in rejects before I leave.

I usually think Ikes and halves are too bulky to carry around.
However, last time I went to Burger King, I spent a couple Ikes (along with 3 $1 bills) and the cashier took them without incident.
sometimes interesting things happen when I spend $2 bills though.