Loading ...In 1959 I was off to college in a western state bordering on Nevada .
I found a room within walking distance of campus and met my new room mate .
After getting acquainted for a few minutes , I told him that I needed a new pair of Levi’s , to which he replied ” I know downtown , and will drive you to Penney’s.” I was happy to accept the offer , so off we went . I found my size and gave the lady checking out my purchase a $10 bill . My change was $7 !!! .
She then said ” Paper ? Silver ? ” but said it so fast it sounded like “PapahSilvah.” I looked at my room mate in puzzlement and he said ” We are close to Las Vegas , and she is asking if you want paper dollars or silver dollars as your change . Take the paper , because the rough edges on the silver dollars will wear out the cotton pockets in your Levi’s in no time .”
The seven silver dollars today , even circulated , would be worth over $200 . The paper FRN’s of today , passing as currency , would not buy a BK Whopper meal ! I make that a 30 X loss of purchasing power .
…and BTW , the Levi’s then were made by Americans in America .