[kall]

The bank has decided to make deciding the fate of the 5c coin part of a review it is doing on silver coins.

Spokesman Paul Jackman said that when the bank proposed reducing the size of 50c, 20c and 10c coins, and changing the metal in them, it put aside the fate of the 5c coin as a separate issue.

But after consultation and considering the production implications of a revised range of silver coins, it had become increasingly clear a decision should be made on whether to take the 5c coin out of circulation, he said.

One and two cent coins were phased out in 1989.

Mr Jackman said the bank would seek public opinion on silver coins. Any change would not be made until at least mid-2006.

The United States has 1c, 5c, 10c and 25c coins in common use. It also has 50c and one-dollar coins.

Its Department of Treasury says on its website (www.ustreas.gov/) the coins in circulation satisfied the public, and the US Mint had no plans to change the denominations.

"We occasionally hear from people who believe that the United States Mint should stop producing one-cent coins and remove them from circulation.

"You may be interested to know that the cent is the most widely used denomination currently in circulation."

A study in 1976 which included considering eliminating the 1c coin received strong objections from most of the state revenue collection departments, retail firms and banks.

"Other objections voiced in later studies concerned the inflationary impact of such a proposal on prices and possible difficulties in collecting sales taxes."

Britain's currency includes 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2 coins.

[Sparklechick]

It certainly would make my wallet a lot lighter and let's face it who really uses 5c coins? I have a money jar quite full of them.

[kall]

A certain little person has the legs of his bed full of them.

His plan was to take them out of circulation himself.

[Sparklechick]

Really?

How on earth can I look at him as though he's a normal person when he comes over to visit next after hearing that juicy piece of information?

[Penny]

I'm not sure I care either way, I don't know the implications of doing it though.