“A penny for your thoughts.” People still say that, right? Well, let’s not argue inflation and the true value of your thoughts. But let’s do talk about that penny.
Who actually would have a penny to offer for my thoughts? I would not. My pockets seldom hold coins. I say that and immediately flashback to the 1970s and memories of Elmer, an old-timer in our newsroom who always walked with a jingle-jangle.
His hand was in his pocket constantly fingering a huge wad of coins. We, being more sophisticated, had those little plastic ovals that you squeezed open to hold coins. Most money exchanges now involve plastic cards but I am still old-fashioned enough to also carry cash.
But no coins. If I get change back, some stays in my truck for drive-thru purchases but most is dumped into small containers at home: quarters, nickels, dimes and the almighty penny. I enjoy watching it pile up, curious about the growing value but in no hurry to cash it in.
Certainly I am not the only one doing this, right? I remember when a penny was precious. A few pennies went a long way at the local candy store. I was happy to hear coins rattle in my pocket.
Now the penny doesn’t get such respect. Some say it serves little purpose. Plus, online research notes the U.
S. Mint in 2023 spent 3.07 cents to make and distribute each Lincoln cent.
Do we still value the penny? Here’s a test question: if you see a penny on the sidewalk, do you bend over and pick it up? I’d like to see the poll results on.
