Why is it that a dime is smaller than both a penny and a nickle?

Logically, if I was making money, I would have made them more relative...

Any thoughts?

------------------
Manu Narayan

*Shrugs shoulders*

Originally in this country, the amount of metal in coins was determined as a proportion of the silver in the silver dollar. For example, a dime had 1/10 the amount of silver as the silver dollar.

Over years of use however, it became clear that the smaller denominations like the half-dime and penny were too small for coins. Thus, the US Mint changed the metal content of the coin to include nickel, and made the coin's size larger in 1866. This allowed it to be used more effectively.

Nate

Well, money is almost digital anyhow. Before you know it, we will not have cash anymore.

Yeah, we're definately getting there.

If you live near a college town ya really see it. At UCLA every student/employee gets a 'bruin card.' This card, aside from being a photoID is also a calling card, cash card, access card, meal card in the dorms, and a means of self defense (jk).

But you can put money onto it...and all vending machines on campus have a card swipe, all on campus stores allow you to use the card and a large number of westwood stores (subway comes to mind) allow you to use it there.

Cash money is quickly disapearing.

------------------
Manu Narayan