There was talk about the US trying to do something about the production and rapid wear of our $1 which only lasts about 18 months. The Susan B Anthony was an attempt, but like other countries, was met with resistance and found themselves in drawers rather than circulation. Next attempt to get the public to acquire a taste for the $1 was the Sacagawea and the presidential dollars which flopped as well. So it comes down to, “Paper or plastic?” The polymer plastic notes that first debuted in Australia lasted over 10 years un heavy service. They cost more to produce but the savings is in the lifespan. A coin’s lifetime in heavy circulation is said to be 30 years. Even more exensive (even with non precious metals) is a trade off with cost vs. lifespan.

I think it would behoove the US to go to polymer as many other countries have for all denominations because they are harder to counterfeit and have a long lifespan. I expect that the US will ultimately follow the UK and go with coinage since so many $1 coins already exist and production is in place. Personally, I like the polymer notes and would like to see the US go that direction.