Reply to Thread

Message:: [QUOTE="CamaroDMD, post: 484600, member: 5233"]As we all know, the denomination that constitutes 1/100th of a US Dollar is called the cent.  It has been called the cent since it was first produced over 200 years ago.  However, many people in this country, in fact possibly the majority, call it the "penny."  The "penny" is not an American denomination or American coin, yet it is a common nickname for the cent and likely comes from the British coin that bears that name. Now, for most US citizens...they don't care.  Cent and penny can be used interchangeably.  However, this is a major sticking point for a lot of coin collectors.  I have seen on this forum many times members comment on the misuse of the word "penny" and sometimes almost snap at people for using it because they feel that only the technical term "cent" is proper and should be used. So, I would like to know what you think about this topic.  It seems to be an old debate about proper use of words.  Are nicknames appropriate for coins or should we always be technically correct?  For me, I find either acceptable in conversation.  I wouldn't want to see a published source use the word "penny" when talking about a cent.  But, in conversation (in both person and online) I feel either is acceptable provided the context is clear.[/QUOTE]