Are modern coins worth anything when the dollar is worth nothing?

Answer 1

For starters, the US dollar as a unit of currency isn't worthless by any means. When economists say that the dollar is losing value, they're talking about a generic item representing all forms of US currency and not a specific coin or bill.

In fact that generic dollar IS worth much less than it once was in comparison to other currencies, due to fears among bankers, investors, etc. that the country won't be able to solve its economic problems.

As far as individual purchasing power goes, in the US Coins and bills are completely interchangeable. If for example a flat-screen TV costs $1000, that TV theoretically could be paid for with 100,000 pennies, 10,000 dimes, 1000 $1 coins, or ten $100 bills. The problem is that if exchange rates change and the US dollar buys fewer Chinese yuan or Korean won, that TV's price may increase to say $1200. Then it would take 12,000 dimes, 120 Benjamins, etc. to buy it so ALL forms of US currency would have lost value in sync with one another.