That year, I gave out paper money to kids and for adults who dressed up, I gave out stock certificates. That was 2008 and the markets had just tanked, so when people asked, "What are these worth?" I could laugh and say, "Cheaper than candy!" And they are, or almost so. In another year, I dressed up like a pirate and gave out Mardi Gras doubloons. I give out loose foreign coins. They look like coins going in -- nickels or whatever -- but I know that when the kids get them home, they will be pleasantly surprised ... or so I hope. Neighborhood is an issue. Coin guys don't like being known. As often as not, the perpetrator is a friend of an acquaintance of a relative of a neighbor, and you never know, so we get Coin World at a post office or UPS box in town and all that. But in years past, we lived in small towns, local villages, and other close communities. With foreign paper, it is pretty easy to sort out for the kids so that little ones get the Bylorus with animals and older kids get the bizarre alphabets. "Is this real?" is a common question. I have a handful of one-liners: "It was real when your mom was a kid." I never give out anything in a 2x2, never make it look valuable, and always make it fun, and cheaper than candy.
Coins are great to get instead of just candy... paper money and stocks sounds fun too. Also, be careful of giving tiny kids coins so they don't eat them. There are many fun silver art bars with Halloween themes. Apmex currently sells a couple Halloween silver pieces too. Prices are obnoxious though.
It's a good idea for us, but I don't think they will be appreciated too much by the youngsters. When I was a kid and got a coin (usually a penny), I assumed they ran out of candy.
My father gives out foreign coins, with identifications. They seem to be popular. He also gives them candy as well. They get the best of both worlds.
I used to hand out IHC's & Buffalos. Some of the younger kids looked disappointed, as they were expecting candy. So, now I hand out both [coins & candy].
