Poll Question: Do you think the U.S. should switch to polymer bank notes? Why or why not?

I am not a fan of polymer banknotes as I believe that it will become a challenge to add new security features, not to mention being cumbersome for folding or stashing in your pockets and wallets. It will lead to several businesses failing, which are OEM suppliers to the government and private sector opportunities.

Name and Address withheld

Absolutely!!! Polymer banknotes make lots of financial sense, but then again, since when did financial and/or common sense preside over foolishness and wastefulness in the government's decision-making?

Well, maybe things WILL change, under President Donald J Trump.  After all, he stopped the wasteful minting of the Cent.

And, while at it, let's stop printing the $1, $2, and $5 bills, and replace them with the millions (billions?) of $1 coins lying in the vaults, and mint new $2.50 and $5 coins - both bi-metallic. The $2.50 coin will have a brass inner and nickel ring, and the $5 will have a nickel inner and brass ring. Or vice versa. 

Should it be done? Absolutely! Will it be done? I'm doubtful!

Oded Paz, Arco, Idaho 

Yes, absolutely! I know many coin collectors would prefer coins in lieu of paper, with many saying that coins last much longer in circulation. As I've mentioned before, the general public has repeatedly rejected dollar coins because paper is lighter and more convenient than coins. It only makes sense to use a polymer for our paper currency since it's lighter, can be stored in the same compartment as paper, and will last much longer than the current cotton/linen blend.

Louis Ludician, Cumberland, R.I.

In September of 2017, the same question was asked in Banknote Reporter.  My answer is the same today:

I have had some dealings with polymer currency.  When they get folded, they don't unfold well. They stay bent and twisted. When they get heavily used, the printing crackles and flakes off.

The worn notes get ugly, like the paper ones. However, paper can be shredded and composted. Plastic doesn't compost well. Do you incinerate it and pollute the planet?

It will be a sad day for U.S. currency if the existing paper money is discontinued, said the man from Massachusetts with no affiliations to the Crane Paper Co.

Richard Bumpus, Marion, Mass.

Replacing traditional paper money with polymer strikes me as a good idea. Polymer requires less frequent replacement and is far more difficult to counterfeit. After the initial expense of research and production, polymer notes will likely save taxpayers in the long run.

Dale W. Maple, Michigan

Well, the world is changing, but not all countries have the capability of adapting to this, but in the modern world perhaps it is worth considering. I don’t mind it.

W. Douglas M., Address withheld

YES. One thing they are cool. Harder to fake. Plus, make coins also. Be much lighter than metal coins.

JP, Lebanon, Ind.

Yes, the "Greenback" would look great with the gloss & sheen of polymer. It would also thwart any counterfeit attempts with the security features. Maybe it's just my Australian patriotism for our beloved polymer innovation.

Scottie Wren, Via Facebook