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Message:: [QUOTE="10gary22, post: 905211, member: 23626"]While the topic may have strayed slightly, it is relevent to the OP. Nearly 50 years ago, I was told that in my lifetime cash would disappear. That we would use a plastic card to buy everything and earnings would be deposited to that card. In this manner, all transactions could be taxed. Well, we aren't quite there yet, but seem close. Social Security strongly urges direct deposit and banks push debit cards. Even rebates come as gift cards as do unemployment checks. In short the future of coinage may be only those coins issued strictly for collecting. Business strikes could disappear. Very few slot machines here in Vegas take coins today. This eliminated the "change girls" almost entirely. Although new coin issues certainly attract collectors, once an issue cannot be found in circulation, interest wanes. I mean how many kids are collecting IHCs ? As far as coins for tolls, machines, etc. Technology is rapidly ending the need for coins. The EZ passes can be used for parking meters, toll booths, turnstiles, etc. In fact there are Casinos that are experimenting with credit card readers on slot machines. That eliminates the need for not only coins, but cash entirely. It is likely that collecting coins will at some point in time belong only to the very wealthy who collect them as specimens.Just a thought.[/QUOTE]