A Penny Saved . . .

* The “other side of the coin” is my response to Ian Shoales’ “Two Cents’ Worth . . . “ commentary (Aug. 15). As a Depression-era child, I came to respect the cent. I even collected them by date. Today a complete set of circulated Lincoln cents would cost about $500 in average used condition. A choice, uncirculated set would run in the tens of thousands.

As far as a cent doing much in the grocery or restaurant, yes, it has little or no value. But to generations of kids who grew up checking each one for a “keeper,” the cent (or “penny” as most people call it) has a real place in our heart. Even long after it has disappeared (eventually), the one-cent coin will have a place in our history right alongside the pack mule, sailboat and silver certificate.

SOL TAYLOR

Sherman Oaks