Well, OK, not never, but I'm often amazed at which posts resonate with the readership, and which don't. Why was getting rid of the penny such a hot item, in terms of comments, when other posts that day, of serious, war-related nature went uncommented? I expect this when I get an Instalanche or something, but as far as I know, no one has even linked to it.

Is this a hidden issue in the elections this year? All politicians in tight races, take note--down with Lincoln!

Oh, and yes, for those interested, I'm now safely in California, but remain busy. Keep those cards and letters pouring in!

If it saves $100 million, do it! We need to cut our budget, and Congress needs to be proactive to this issue. Give every government agency an edict to save 10% this next fiscal year.

I DO NOT want to see the funding cut for the conservation of wet lands. Without them our planet will die. Especially, the funding to save the Purple Peckered Newt. These newts never asked to be born, and they should not be allowed to become extinct!

Better for the penny to disapear than one animal!!

It's because pennies are sexy!

Don’t underestimate nostalgia.

You also shouldn't be surprised by uproar when someone suggests that an automated tax accessing system become standard equipment on new automobiles. Besides being potentially useful for navigation purposes; it already comes with the ability to automatically withdraw funds from a taxpayer's account. Doesn't that sound like a good thing?

Down here in Australia, they not only eliminated the penny (which now only has one function - to serve as the basis of a gambling game "Two Up" which is only legal one day a year on ANZAC Day) but you RARELY see any 5c pieces around.

Furthermore, they have no $1 or $2 notes, but coins - and they are GREAT. You can tell by the weight/shape of the gold coloured $1/$2 coins what they are, and without looking know roughly how many dollars you have in your pocket.

The main reason I suspect that such an obvious transition to $1 coins in the US have failed on multiple occasions is that (a) there is too much legacy infrastructure designed to use $1 bills and not to recognize such a newfangled coin, and (b) lack of a coin slot for $1 or $2 coins in a cash drawer (again, legacy infrastructure). Elimination of the penny would free up a tray for $1 coins, though.

Down here in Australia, ... but you RARELY see any 5c pieces around.

Here in New Zealand, the 5c coin will be gone in a few months. AND our $2 coins are bigger than the $1!