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National Coinage Proposals: Limited Public Demand for New Dollar Coin or Elimination of Pennies

GGD-90-88 Published: May 23, 1990. Publicly Released: May 23, 1990.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed proposed changes to the U.S. currency and coinage system, focusing on the: (1) feasibility and effects of replacing the paper dollar with a dollar coin; and (2) possibility of eliminating the half dollar.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
Congress should proceed with the proposed dollar coin legislation only if it and the Administration can reach and sustain a joint resolve to eliminate the dollar note and stand up to an expected negative public reaction.
Closed – Not Implemented
No action is planned by the committee.
Congress should proceed with the proposed dollar coin legislation only if it funds a sophisticated and sustained public awareness campaign.
Closed – Not Implemented
No action is planned by the committee.
Congress should proceed with the proposed dollar coin legislation only if the Bureau of the Mint is able to produce a coin readily distinguishable from the 25-cent coin but still acceptable to the vending industry.
Closed – Not Implemented
No action is planned by the committee.
Congress should proceed with the proposed dollar coin legislation only if the Mint can produce sufficient quantities of the coin to meet all demand within 5 years of the coin's introduction.
Closed – Not Implemented
No action is planned by the committee.

Full Report

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Topics

Cost effectiveness analysisCurrency and coinageForeign currencyFuture budget projectionsMonetary policiesPrecious metalsPrinting costsProposed legislationPublic relationsFederal reserve system