Two weeks back CoinNews wrote an article on how the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005 stated that vending machines by 2008 must be able to dispense the new presidential dollars irrespective of the fact that many vending machines give back an amount that’s always less than $1.

Concerned about needless and extra costs, Coca Cola hired a lobbyist firm to help get the law amended so certain vending machines wouldn’t have to dispense dollar coins. Whether it was through their efforts or not, their desired changes appear to be coming.

H.R. 3703 had previously passed the House on 11/13 and yesterday, 12/17, the Senate passed it with Unanimous Consent. H.R. 3703 clarifies which machines need to dispense dollar coins.

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Every time a new dollar coin gets inked into legislation there’s a ripple effect many, including the bill’s inkers, don’t take into consideration.

It’s not malicious thoughtlessness. No person can have omnipotent foresight in knowing the consequences of every single decision.

Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005 mandates vending machine requirements

Take, for example, the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005 that’s responsible for the new dollar coins. The law not only mandates the creation of the coin, but also includes requirements to help drive its success with the public.

Although it hasn’t always happened from day one, part of a new coin’s circulating success is ensuring its design and composition work with vending machines. If that doesn’t happen, it’s hard for any new coin to succeed. Obvious? For sure. A coin has to be useful, not just pretty.

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