What does Rav Yochanon consider golden coins to be?
- Always currency.
- Always non-currency (Pairos).
- Currency by redeeming Maaser Sheini and by Ribis, non-currency by business transactions.
- Currency by redeeming Maaser Sheini, non-currency by all business, including Ribis.
- Non-currency by redeeming Maaser Sheini and by Ribis, currency by business transactions.
Why would it permitted to redeem Maaser Sheini on copper coins, and not on golden coins?
- Butchers in Yerushalayim don’t take golden coins.
- HaKesef means only Kesef, and downwards.
- Hakesef means you need silver, and it’s easier to buy Kesef with copper coins than with golden coins.
- Golden coins are minted by Rome, and we don’t want to use them for food that is eaten with Korbanos.
- In some places copper is more spendable than gold.
According to Bais Shammai, what would be a concern why Chazal wouldn’t allow to change Maaser Sheini silver into golden coins to take to Yerushalayim?
- The person won't have enough Maaser Sheini silver to fill up the golden coin, and will delay his trip.
- Moneychangers take an extra fee when selling golden coins, and Maaser Sheini money will be lost.
- Bandits on the road rob people for their gold coins.
- A person should come to Yerushalayim with humility, which is difficult when carrying a wallet filled with gold coins.
- Golden coins are minted by Rome, and we don’t want to use them for food that is eaten with Korbanos.
Why wouldn’t a coin be allowed to be used for Chalipin?
- It’s not a Kli.
- A coin’s value is that it is minted, which isn't an inherent value.
- We are afraid that the coin will fall down as it is being passed from hand to hand and get lost.
- Machlokes between answers A and B.
- Machlokes between answers A and C.
Why would someone want specifically new coins?
- To give his grandchildren as Chanukah Gelt.
- He is concerned that they are counterfeit, and it’s easier to ascertain a new coin’s veracity.
- He wants to store them for a long time, and today’s old coins will be outdated by then.
- The same reason why some people like wearing fancy suits.
- Its Hidur Mitzvah to use new coins as Maaser Sheini money.