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STOCKTON (CBS13) — When a nonprofit in the valley couldn’t find anyone willing to trade foreign coins they had been given, they decided to call Kurtis.
Directions Medical Clinic is based in Stockton and Lodi and offers pregnancy related services. The nonprofit manages donations, and over the years it has collected bags and bags of foreign coins through its annual baby bottle fundraisers at local churches.
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The organization’s CEO, Paula Leary, says they approached local banks, money changers and even airports – but no one was willing to exchange the coins.
“It would be wonderful if we could return it and it wouldn’t sit in that bag, you know, gathering dust,” she said. “We could use it.”
So, this got us wondering, what should you do if you have leftover coins from your travels abroad?
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CBS13 checked with the US Treasury Department to find the answer, which indicates that banks are likely the best option. However, the ministry also notes that it is generally easier to exchange paper money.
Many banks refuse foreign coins, especially if they are not rolled, which they are legally allowed to do.
The major banks CBS13 spoke to said that although they offer foreign exchange at almost all of their branches, they restrict the service to account holders only.
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We contacted the bank that the nonprofit uses and got them to agree to an exchange. But remember that if you have the chance to travel abroad, try to spend these coins before the flight home.
