You used to be able to order legal tender from the US mint, pay for it at face value with a credit card, then get money back from the credit card company.
Those machines do not press a penny – at least not in the US. The “penny” is a British coin; the current smallest US coin is the “cent” (as a kid I did have a half cent). And the length of time and breadth of usage of the misnomer does not change the fact that there is not, and never has been, a US “penny”.
In 2012 during a trip through Paris we stopped in at the Sacre Coeur. There was a service going on so we respectfully stayed out along the outer walls. Behind the pulpit in the Apse were several machines where you could change 5 francs into a commemorative coin. There were automated money changers in the temple. I was gob smacked. I had a hard time holding my laughter in. I kept imagining an animitronic Jesus storming over and turning the machines over. Would have made a heck of a floor show. I keep the coin handy to remmind me to mind the hypochrisy in my life.
Algolei I 12 days ago
You used to be able to order legal tender from the US mint, pay for it at face value with a credit card, then get money back from the credit card company.
You made money by buying money.
c001 12 days ago
“They charged you money to destroy more of your money” – normal bankers’ behavior.
The Wolf In Your Midst 12 days ago
I always thought those machines were pretty impressive.
Cozmik Cowboy 12 days ago
Those machines do not press a penny – at least not in the US. The “penny” is a British coin; the current smallest US coin is the “cent” (as a kid I did have a half cent). And the length of time and breadth of usage of the misnomer does not change the fact that there is not, and never has been, a US “penny”.
Plumb.Bob Premium Member 11 days ago
In 2012 during a trip through Paris we stopped in at the Sacre Coeur. There was a service going on so we respectfully stayed out along the outer walls. Behind the pulpit in the Apse were several machines where you could change 5 francs into a commemorative coin. There were automated money changers in the temple. I was gob smacked. I had a hard time holding my laughter in. I kept imagining an animitronic Jesus storming over and turning the machines over. Would have made a heck of a floor show. I keep the coin handy to remmind me to mind the hypochrisy in my life.