I am at the kiosk, buying two magazines (for research purposes, mind you) today. It's sunny, unseasonably warm, and people are (gasp) smiling at one another for NO REASON AT ALL. The kiosk worker, obviously enjoying his work much more now that the sun has come out, says an enthusiastic "4,99" as I simultaneaously plop down a five-euro note.
"Merci," I say firmly and gather up my things, making it clear that I don't really need that 1-cent back. But, having encountered this phenomenon repeatedly over the years, I leave a slightly open window of opportunity in case he should misunderstand my signals. The "Need a penny, take one..." mindset so common to Americans is just completely lost on the French.
One time, I dropped a 2-cent coin**, took a half second to find it on the floor, and then another half-second to decide it wasn't worth bending over to pick up. Call me lazy, but I hate "pennies", no matter what the currency. As I started to step away, a woman tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Mademoiselle, your coin is right there. I saw you looking for it..." So then of course I HAD to pick it up. But Jesus, what good is it going to do me hanging out in the bottom of my purse alongside all those other pennies (which, I'm sorry, I am never going to put into a roll and take to the bank. I'm just not. It is not worth the headache for 1,22 euros)
"And here you go," says the kiosk man, holding out a coin. Damn, I think, They just never understand... I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE PENNY!!!
But I like his smile, so I return one and thank him for the change.
"Oop-l�!" he says, "That's a 2-cent piece!" and he frantically grabs a 1-cent piece in exchange.
I laugh and say, "I don't really care about 1 cent, in the end. It doesn't make a whole lot of difference, does it?" I'm trying to be jovial while still pointing out that, hell, this is just a cent, people.
In response, he looks at me quizzically and wishes me a good day.
Ok then.
**I've said it before and I'll say it again: why oh why did they make a 2-cent coin?
That is an excellent question!
Good question.. here in Finland the 1- and 2-cent coins aren't in use - the price gets rounded up to the nearest 5 cents (unless you pay with a card, then the price is exact). Although this doesn't really work as the Central European tourists keep lugging their change down here and we have to accept the coins if offered. .
We don't have 1 or 2 cent coins in Australia any more either. Why don't you just give your copper coins to homeless people, instead of complaining about them?
Because we used to have 10, 20 and 50 centimes of francs and they probably thought it would confuse people too much not to have the same with the euros. Not sure though!
Jexy - Most homeless people I know (and I do know a few well enough to say this) would be insulted if I forked over a bunch of 1-cent pieces.
Pepette - That theory doesn't work because the Euro is not based on the franc. :)
My son has a funny Cheerios book and you can put cheerios in the missing holes ie; the fishes' bubbles, the mouse's glasses etc. Since we don't have Cheerios I use centimes! They're the same size.
See they are good for something!
You want mine?
I know the euro is not based on the franc, it would have been too easy ! ;)
I realised that you were talking about 1 and 2 cents and not 10 and 20 ! Ooops, I need to pay attention when I read!
Now I don't have a valid answer to your question!!!