Community Voice Responses (Nov. 14, 2017)

From the Oct. 20 Numismatic News E-Newsletter:

Should kids pay with cash to learn math and make change?

Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers to Editor Dave Harper.

Absolutely YES.

It’s amazing how young clerks cannot refigure change if you tender additional money after they have entered the original amount in the register. For older persons it’s not a problem
Shows the state of our education system: broken!

Ernie Lurvey
Marshfield, Wis.

Kid paying with cash – not a bad idea- – I am sure they will use their phone to calculate it.

All kids like to buy things and repetition will help them to benefit.

Howard Rogers
St. Albans, W.Va.

Yes, this should be a priority to help kids count. When growing up (at age 5) I counted a till down at my dad’s corner store. I did this in my head, with accuracy! Yes, not even pen/paper to help. And YES, I did this with accuracy!

I am no Einstein, but if I (at this age) can do this, so can others of a couple years older.

Sad to say, I’m now retired. In my working career, I can recall two handfuls of people who could NOT DO this simple task, even with a calculator, or adding machine.

Again, if a simpleton like me can do it, so can everyone else!

Gary Kess
Sherman, Texas

I think it is a great idea. We are raising our granddaughter and I always make her pay for stuff – with my money of course. Helps her with basic math.

Mike Biondi
Address withheld

Absolutely! Using cash is a great way to learn math and also the tangible value of currency (although fiat!). There is an 80+ year old cashier that works at a local café that makes all change in his head. Gotta love the old-timers! No fancy change machines connected to the register drawer there like they have at many gas stations and other shops that spit out the loose change. Besides, I always check my change.

I am particularly looking for easy- to-spot coins, such as Canadian cents, Wheaties, 2017-P Shield cents, 2009 Lincoln anniversary cents, nickels from 2004, 2005 and 1950 and earlier, and any silver dimes or quarters.

I have never found a silver quarter in change since the late 1960’s/early 1970s, but I have found some silver dimes in change or at the Coinstar!

Robert Matitia
Address withheld

The government should certainly pay with cash, or go back to doing so. 'Nuff said.

Steve Winnicki
Address withheld

Works better then anything. Have taught numerous children math with coins. My twin grandsons were aces in math before first grade. Addition, subtraction, multiplying and dividing are very easy to teach with money, and the kids really like playing with the money.

Note they are also collectors now.

Name withheld

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