Challenge: Reverse coins and currency

Can you make coins be used for large denomimations (like dollars) and paper used for small denominations (like cents)?
 
Sales tax tokens and redeemable stamps (ration book, Green Shield, etc.) would probably be a good starting point for non-metallic small change.

The POD might be something like keeping currencies on a physical metal standard during the instability of the early 20th century: a hardcore 'show me the colour of your money' attitude takes hold or something. High denomination coins become actual physical stores of value, while small change works on a token system.

I've no idea what the ramifications and implications of such a move would be on the economics of the interwar period, but I think I hear Keynes, Mises et al weeping. :rolleyes:
 
High denomination coins, made of precious metals, are highly feasible. I can easily see $5, $10, $20 in silver and $100, $500, $1,000 in gold.

Paper for low denominations, not so much so. A paper note costs about 2 cents to produce and doesn't last very long. The lower the denomination, the shorter the lifetime, because it changes hands more often.

That said, some countries have had paper-only systems, and China still has paper notes in denominations as low as 1 fen (1/100 of a yuan or about 0.15 cents US), though aluminum coins co-exist with notes for low denominations. For some reason, according to a travel guide I read (sorry, I don't remember which one), paper is more popular in some regions of China, and coins mostly circulate in cities with rail transit systems, presumably to operate ticket machines/turnstiles.
 
Top