A Common Currency for North America?

• Position: Brief Article

The idea of North America adopting a common currency similar to the Euro may sound far-fetched, but a survey by Coinstar Inc. shows many Americans support it. "The Coinstar National Currency Poll: A Periodic Look at Americans and Their Money" found that 43% would favor such a currency agreement among the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The same survey also found that 25% of respondents would favor U.S. adoption of the Euro.

These findings, which may indicate a movement by Americans to accept a more global economy, are remarkable for several reasons. "Americans are as proud of the dollar and our country's enviable economy as they are of the flag, the National Anthem, and the Statue of Liberty," notes Jens Molbak, founder and CEO of Coinstar Inc. For them "to indicate such a high level of interest in a common currency, though surprising, may be a sign that the fear of interacting economically with other countries is dwindling as our economy becomes ever more global and international travel becomes more common."

The appeal of a common currency is particularly evident among women. Forty-seven percent were in favor of a common currency for North America, compared with 38% of men. When asked about adopting the Euro, 29% of women indicated they liked the idea, while 20% of men did.

When survey...