When you think about it, that is a very scary commentary chart on U.S. PM economic conditions for the last 90 years. Of course that was not the intention of the graph.....or is it?
Interesting that the US Mint thinks that the half dollar and dollar are still circulating. Very few of the self-serve checkouts I use take Franklins and none of them take Ikes.
It seems the first bar starts like 2-3 years early and the second bar begins already in the mid-1860s instead of 1875.
This shows the consistency and stability of the US monetary system. I can’t think of any other country, other than perhaps the U.K., where a coin issued in the 1790s still carries actual legal tender value that has not been totally eaten up by inflation. Even though the dollar has lost over 95 percent of its value during that time, it’s a far cry from the 99.999 or 100 percent that most other 1790’s currencies have lost. The half cent is the only denomination smaller than ones currently in use.
My granddad had ears like a fox, that is, until I wanted a dime for a candy bar. Then suddenly, he was hard of hearing.
The US mint still strikes half eagle commemorative coins. Obviously not intended to circulate, but legal tender. Dunno if a shop owner would take one though... I have a worn but legible 1865 two cent piece I got for $0.50. Wonder what would happen if I tried spending it...