They lack any meaningful design in comparison to other currencies, since all denominations stick to mainly black and white designs with slight hints of color as they’ve remained the same for a long time. Why won’t USD switch to Polymer bills (it was first unveiled in Australia) like they’ve done in the UK or UAE for example.

  • jqubed@lemmy.worldEnglish
    4·
    9 days ago

    I don’t remember for certain and I’m not taking the time to look it up, but I think there are some legal restrictions as well? I’m guessing that is included in your Impetus paragraphs, since it would require congressional direction to change things.

    The Treasury or whoever has actually redesigned the bills quite a bit in my lifetime and they’re more colorful than they used to be, but I think they’ve done what they can while sticking within legal parameters. Given how much some people refer to other nations’ currencies as “Monopoly Money” despite some obvious benefits I’m not holding my breath for significant changes for a while yet.

    I’m glad we’re finally getting rid of the penny at least. I used to be a proponent of the $1 coin, but having spent some time in Canada and Europe I actually find $/€/£ coins annoying and heavy in actual practice.