There was a debate a few months back on whether or not the government should continue minting pennies? USA reported that it costs the U.S. Mint around $2 to make one penny and the nickel, though at a smaller margin, still costs around $0.02 more than face value to make. The same article also claims these costs margin cuts out $45million from the Mint's coin-producing profit. The question: how can the goverment save money on minting coins in general, especially when it comes to the penny and the nickel?

This idea is directed to the U.S. Mint and the Federal Reserve. I believed that the U.S. Mint and the Federal Reserve can save money by creating a new-age form of currency in the "change/coin card". In a cash transaction, instead of receiving change in coins, I would like to be able to use a "change/coin card" to accept my change and at the same time, serve as a piggy bank that goes everywhere with me. The U.S. Mint and the Federal Reserve should work together to create a change/coin card, much like a credit or debit card, to provide an efficient alternative to handling coins during a cash transaction. For example, if the change due back during a cash transaction is $3.12, the vendor can give 3 one dollar bills and the $0.12 can be applied to the change/coin card. Timewise, the transaction to scan a chance/coin card would take the same amount of time as it would to give change in coins given the available technology and equipment readily available today. The Federal Reserve can also monitor the currency in circulation through this new-age currency. For security measures, these change/coin cards should

A new-age currency in the form of a coin card, readily available through the same technology used for debit cards and online transactions, can substantially save the U.S. Mint and the Federal Reserve a lot of money. Costs such as production, transportation, monitoring/maintenance, and storage/space will be greatly reduced with the inception of this new-age currency. Also, the green factor in this is that less paper will be used to make items like the coin rolls (required by banks to even make a coin deposit) and processing less metals like zinc and copper.

All engagement should start with a respect for transparency.

To do this, the function of access authorization should come from a standardized and centralized portal.

Confirmation of my identity through this portal lets the customization of interactions to be more automated and it allows the interactions to flow more smoothly when collaborations involve several individuals and agencies.

To allow the user to more efficiently authenticate their identity is important as well.

A personal identification device that merges identity records from all agencies increases accuracy and reduces fraud. To merge Health, birth, Drivers licence, Passport and banking Identity into one device gives the user portable robust and efficient means of providing identity in every circumstance. By giving this much power to positively identifying ourselves makes gaining access to the information that will be used in two way transparent collaboration efforts much more seamless in its acquisition.

The ease in which collaboration can take place in a meaningful way will help to ensure a positive experience and convince citizens to return regularly for further collaboration efforts.

Ensuring transparent inclusion and an insistence for respectful dialogue in this way will help build and sustain a culture of collaboration.



The promotion of collaboration must have a recognizable theme in culture. Marketing participation will be important. People will want to see results that mean success in everyday terms. Many will unconsciously want recognition that their efforts have the support from the nation in real terms.

Efforts to make the collaborative experience meaningful in an enjoyable way will help draw in individuals that see it as a way of contributing to civic service. Participating could be in of itself highly educational and rewarding.

A standard citizen portal connection that is highly affordable, wireless and miniaturized and uses extremely low amounts of power is the way forward. To combine efforts of cyber security, affordability and wireless connectivity into a single device is a significant strategy. This device gives the expediency of proving who you are new meaning and clarity. It would be able to deliver with greater certainty on both sides of a cyber contract the trust that is required. The ability to prove who you are while on the move or abroad and do it with secure confidence makes the idea worth considering for New Technologies for participation.

Federal departments and agencies should apply new technology tools and applications to enhance collaboration and conflict resolution processes in the work of Government. Examples include web-based project and information management tools, computer-assisted decision support systems, visualization, modeling, and simulation tools, electronic communication tools, and a range of survey tools and electronic methods for content analysis.

It goes without saying that media is a powerful force in the world. As a soon-to-be media arts grad and State employee I think I have a unique perspective on how we might all benefit from a greater focus on honest and relevant video.

Who? - Who is being directed to do what?

I don't really know what happens in the great government machine. Consider open the doors (within reason) by creating informative videos and posting them to your portal. I'm not sure who has responsibility for this, but I see it as a marketing and public relations initiative. It has to be good stuff though! You must consider taking a risk with a little comedy - make people want to keep coming back for more. The videos should be desined to draw attention to the Federal Government, be informative, and just a touch edgy. We all remember funny moments in movies right? What about an IRS promotion near tax time? You could produce this video in the spirit of a low budget 1950's Sci-Fi flick. The possibilities are endless. It has to be intereting and different that what people have come to expect from the Government. For ideas, check out the Prelinger Archives and scan the old propadganda films. It's a cornucopia of matrial, ripe for the picking.

What? - What is the recommendation designed to achieve?

A more intimate connection between the Federal Government and United States Citizens. It's a way to get people interested, and effectively communicate with the masses. Reference the above IRS video idea. you make an interesting, artsy, video that also informs people that there are many ways to file taxes and using paper is potentially wasteful - consider e-filing etc....

Why? - Why is it important? Support your recommendations with relevant facts, evidence, and examples.

Just navigate to any social networking or viral video site and you can see examples of what is popular based on viewership. We all consume media. In fact, I challenge anyone to avoid it for an entire day. Radio, internet, television, phone...etc.

How? - Will success be measured?

I think that success could be measured in many ways. I think that the greatest value here is marketing and public relations; a connection. You measure success by how many people watch the videos you produce. Then you ask for voluntary feedback about location, gender, race etc.. to see who you are reaching. You might also ask about the content of the videos: Was this useful to you? What would you change? How can we do better for you? Perhaps schools may be willing to participate by allowing students to watch the videos as a reward for great classroom work. Again, the possiblities are endless.