The E-Sylum:  Volume 8, Number 26, June 26, 2005, Article 7

JEFFERSON NICKEL DESIGNS IN CIRCULATION

Regarding nickels in circulation, the distribution around the
country seems very uneven. Some are having the same
trouble I've been having in seeing the coins in circulation -
others do see the coins regularly.

Bob Knepper of Anaheim, CA writes: "You asked, in
E-Sylum Vol 4 Number 24, if "others are having trouble
finding" buffalo nickels.

Yes! I've tried several banks several times over a several
month period without being able to get even one buffalo
nickel. I'd like to get a roll or two to give examples to people
(and I'm one) who haven't seen them. A friend in Germany
said a different US friend had sent him a roll.

At a senior center I put Sacagawea dollars into a basket to
pay for coffee. At least half the time the dollars are removed,
presumably replaced with paper dollars. Several people told
me (this year) they had not previously seen the Sacagaweas -
which is hard to believe after all this time."

Howard Spindel of Portland, OR writes: "It's not just the
latest designs that don't circulate. I've kept track (it wasn't hard),
and I've received exactly two Peace Medal nickels, one Keelboat
Nickel, and none of the Buffalo nickels in circulation. If I didn't
buy sets from the mint I might never see these coins."

Bruce Perdue writes: "I frequently work a cash register (much
too frequently) and the new buffalo nickel, while not out in great
numbers, is available in change...at least in Joliet, IL. I see it
perhaps as frequently as 1 in 20. I almost always have one in
the drawer and try to give it to someone who I think will appreciate
it. As always you provide insightful information and interesting
commentary."

Pete Mosiondz, Jr. writes: "Couldn't help but wonder about
all those folks having a hard time finding the new Jefferson/Buffalo
nickels in change. Plenty of them here in southern New Jersey.
We're about 10 miles due east of the Philly Mint and Federal
Reserve."

Dennis M. Gregg writes: "Since subscribing to your weekly
e-letter, I must say I am very impressed, very informed, and
very entertained. Thank you! I look forward to each "copy"
coming to my mailbox.

The past two issues have mentioned the "scarcity" of new nickels
in circulation. I've come across many of these. In fact, I'd have
to say they're so prevalent where I live, I'd get one in about each
$5.00 in change I'd receive in a day's worth of transactions. I
live in Hagerstown, MD, 70 miles NW of Wash DC and 70 miles
W of Baltimore."

Later in the week, Bob Knepper sent this update: "After commenting/
complaining about not seeing any buffalo nickels, I just a few
minutes ago got ten of them from the post office. Because they had
had, years ago, Sacagawea dollars before my banks, I tossed the
question of "any buffalo nickels?", and was pleasantly surprised
when the clerk offered me ten."

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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