I can remember an old Coin World article from the mid-80s about collectors and the ANA's efforts to re-introduce coins to the public. The article suggested that collectors release old wheaties, war nickels, silver dimes and quarters, to the public, by spending them in everyday transactions. They gave an annual date to do this, but it's been many years, a few chemo treatments, and a few 40s to try and remember. Maybe we here at CoinTalk.org could start a similiar thing. We could pick a month and start releasing collector coins. Our members in other countries could do this as well. Hey, you folks know what's hot and collectible in your place, try it! The idea is to spend the coins at small establishments where they will be passed on from customer to customer. Wheaties are easy, just chuck a few in the mix. Silvers, Buffalos and Type coins are harder. Ya need to only slip one in the mix, but be discreet about it. Cashiers have tendency to pull alot of the older stuff, and we want it to circulate, not stop at a cashiers drawer. I'm thinking a Summertime date to do it, as it would give folks a while to gather coins for the influx.
badger: Interesting concept. I used to spend a lot of half dolars. I remember once going into a Chinese takeout place and paying with eight 1/2 dollars. As I got to the door I saw the entire staff charge the cash register and start to divide them up. That was fun.
