Poll Question: Do you think the comeback of specie is here to stay? Why or why not?

I am sure specie is not here now nor will be soon.  If I tried to make a purchase at Target or Shaws with silver eagles or gold Krugerrands, the clerk would probably call security.  If I asked for the same coins at my bank the teller would look at me confused and their cash drawer would have none.  So, to answer your question, specie is not here to stay because it is not here now.

Richard Bumpus, Marion, Massachusetts

As a wise man said, nothing is forever, but I think it is a trend because in the U.S., at least, we're experiencing a sort of rebellion among certain age groups against the "computerization" of everything.  Although, I must say, when I encounter a younger person on the cash register, many have no idea how to handle making change.  I just had to explain to a young man yesterday how easy it is––I had a charge of $14.66, so I gave him a $20 bill and 66 cents in change and he couldn't figure it out.  

James Burnell, Location Withheld

For now, coins will continue to be with us for some time; however, eventually coins will become an item of the past and everything will be digital currency.  We have already seen this happen in the USA with the demise of the 1 cent coin for general circulation.  Most payment transactions today are done by credit cards, then debit cards, and then by cash, in that order.  Most transactions for 10 dollars or less are cash.  With the continually price rise in copper, nickel, tin, etc, it will be more difficult to mint coins in these metals, so eventually it will stop but it will be a while before that takes place.  There is no longer a trust with our paper dollars as it is not backed up by anything but the faith in our government.  Precious metals made into coins and bullion will continue to dominate the marketplace and to be produced for its metallic content. As the price of various metals continues to increase in costs, sooner or later general circulation coins made of metal will stop circulating but I am sure it will not be in my lifetime. Perhaps the next phase of general circulation coins will be something other than metal such as plastic with a hologram or some other durable product.  Who knows?  For now, let’s just enjoy the coins we have. 

Bob, Location Withheld

For centuries the SGR, “Silver to Gold Ratio,” had been maintained at approximately 12:1. Only by conflicts, as well as intentional debasement, has it varied. 15-16:1 became the globally accepted trading value in the 1800's. Richard Geidroyc's latest article, "Legality of Specie Today," makes an excellent point about the specific language of our Constitution. Another point that should be understood is "make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts.” This mandated authority has been legislated away with the final nail being pounded in during America's Bicentennial Year. These days the SGR varies by fractions of seconds, no longer over substantial periods of time. Our modern world moves so fast it's almost required to trade/transact in truly pure fiat. Fiat currencies cannot return to specie backed form due to the realities of debt. While the U. S. Dollar is the world's reserve currency, it is through the commodity of "Trust" that keeps it there. The trust in our security and justice that no other sovereign currency could ever provide. However, values in specie have never been higher. Who among us ever thought silver would be at the value it is now or even in January 2026!? At least within our lifetimes. There has been an increase in coin collecting and numismatics since at least 2020, and I feel much of the general public is becoming aware of what we as coin collectors have always known. Specie is "money.” Only some tyrannical states tax it, illegally even when purchasing a constitutional coin. I feel specie transactions never went away, only suppressed, and now we are witnessing a "rebirth" of a "valued understanding.” Very fitting for our 250th year.

Michael Young, Merritt Island, Florida