The Experiment

So, what's this experiment about?
In the most simple terms, we're eliminating the Bad Ones (dollar bills) and replacing them with Good Ones (dollar coins) in our daily lives. We ordered a quantity of coins directly from the US Mint and have split them up (though I think Chris got one extra, that sneaky bugger). We'll be using them as one would expect and reporting the results here. The rules are pretty straight forward:

1. Use a dollar coin wherever you would have used a dollar.
2. Use them in a "natural" way, don't give 8 Good Ones for an $8 charge.
3. Any Bad Ones received must not be reused.
4. Received Bad Ones should be swapped out for Good Ones ASAP.
5. Report on your experience.

At the end of this experiment, we should have a good read on what the general acceptance factor of the Good One is, and what it's like to live with them.

Why Van Buren?
Martin Van Buren was the 8th US President. He was the first to be born a US Citizen, and the first of non-British descent. In the financial realm, Van Buren initiated an independent federal treasury system.

On a more personal note, he was born in Kinderhook New York, which is right nearby. It also allows us to refer to ourselves as "The Van Buren Boys", which, among other things, is a reference to the street gang from the Seinfeld episode. The most compelling thing of all is, of course, his hair, takes guts to have a 'do like that.

Unfortunately, the Van Buren coins aren't available yet, so we've had to choke down our tears and learn to live with the John Quincy Adams Good Ones. He does still have mutton chops, but they pale in the face of the magnificence that is Marty.