Pennies, America's most worthless coin. When the initial Lincoln Cents were released in 1909, they were worth about as much as a modern quarter. However, after over a hundred years of inflation, the value of the penny has significantly dropped, it now costing 80% more of the face value just to make them. Half of all new pennies are removed from circulation each year, falling behind couch pillows, being left at the bottom of purses, falling into gutters, etc. Some countries have even eliminated their pennies altogether. Now that we have the backstory of the penny and it's decline, it's time to talk about this "treasure hunt" I mentioned in the title. As a numismatist, whenever I see a coin lying on the sidewalk, I pick it up to check the year, mintmark, and condition. But recently even I have stopped picking up pennies, bending down and picking them up isn't really worth it anymore, especially in major cities. However, Ally Bank is trying to change that. 100 fake pennies have been placed across 10 major US cities, and if you find one, you can redeem them for $1,000 on the Ally Lucky Penny website linked below in the sources. The part that really stuck out to me was that even if you redeem one, you get to keep the penny, and they may hold some numismatic value in the future since only 100 will be made. You can find them in Los Angeles, San Diego, Denver, Austin, Detroit, Charlotte, Washington DC, and where I'm keeping an eye out, New York City. Hints are being posted to Ally Banks social media accounts so if you want to find one, check those every one in a while. Happy hunting!

Eye get pwocket chaynge! 

Though Jeb Bush would like to see Maggie Thatcher on the new double-sawbuck, other choices are more appropriate. I have to think his mother is not inviting him to Thanksgiving dinner this year, and Nancy Reagan might not either. How about Sojourner Truth or Harriet Tubman? Marilyn Monroe would cause a stir and a spate of collection I think. Jacqueline Kennedy is a good choice and another collector favorite. Eleanor Roosevelt would be an excellent choice as would Rosalyn Carter. Good choices abound, so I look forward to seeing who gets the nod for a change in the currency.I will collect a few or a whole bank strap.

So Copper at 2.42 and Aluminum at 2.99 isn't exactly the upside down-edness of Gold and silver,. But is a good indication just how manipulated and played the current metals market is. Among others. I would imagine every major and minor commodities market in the country is corrupt to some extent.perhaps I am wrong. But I do think that one day there won't be anymore gold or silver coins. Just Copper and Aluminum.

Here is a yellow cake frosted to look like an 1804 dollar.