Coin-collecting news and notes.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

The appearance of the dollar coin, coupled with the redesign of paper money and the enthusiastic reception of the state quarter program have combined to make Americans more aware of the money they dig out of their wallets and purses. A poll conducted by Coinstar, the network of coin counting machines, shows that some would vote for a $5 coin, some would like all the coins to be redesigned and some would even favor the introduction of $25, $75 and $200 bills.

Since Sen. Phil Gramm, R-Texas, is also leading an effort in the Senate that may result in redesign of some coinage, the air seems full of interest in novelty. Governments are often loath to make significant changes in coinage designs. American coins, particularly, have portrayed stability with images of presidents or Founding Fathers. Bullion coins, struck for collectors and investors, have gone further afield, reviving famous early designs of mythic figures, eagles and Indians.

The need for Benjamin Franklin and presidents Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln to be on coinage has been balanced by the Mint's willingness to portray 20th-century presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. As time passes, attitudes change toward recent presidents, and the result may mean the appearance of other presidents or heroes to replace them.

Polls don't translate into real desire. The ...