Mutes and where to find them

coxspau · July 16, 2013, 08:47:41 PM

So after some persistence, I finally managed to secure a few mutes.

With some collaborative effort, I may be able to secure or at least be a transit lounge for a few more.

But what I'm wondering is, what is the best place to hunt for mutes? Perhaps the better question; is there a best place to hunt for mutes?

I've only tried two places in Hobart; Mystate (like a bank, but not quite) looked blankly at me and didn't know what I was talking about. Hobart CBA is where I struck pay dirt.

Haven't tried NAB or ANZ. Are they worth a shake down?

Also, would mutes be something you might find at the local Post Office?

Fulvio · July 16, 2013, 09:10:47 PM

Quote from: 'coxspau' pid='21726' dateline='1373973461'Also, would mutes be something you might find at the local Post Office?

Doubt it.

Be aware that many tellers are under the impression it is illegal to hand out mutes. I had quite a discussion on this with the head teller at NAB Oakleigh yesterday, who told me he was very happy to dump them, until the regional manager fell on him like a ton of bricks and sent out a letter threatening dismissal. He claimed at least one teller had been sacked, and several reprimanded for this.

I think this is total BS on the part of the regional manager. I can't see any legislative basis for this position. As far as I know, only the holey dollar and dump have been demonetised, so anything else is perfectly entitled to circulate.

That said, I've had the exact same response from CBA and WBC branches as well. It seems to come down to the individuals concerned, and just how far the sticks up their nether regions extend. :angel:

enworb · July 17, 2013, 10:37:21 AM

I have only ever got them from banks. Its got nothing to do which bank because sometimes one branch wont let you but if you drive down the road the next branch is more than happy to help. Just remember which ones are good.

MobOfRoos · July 17, 2013, 08:53:59 PM

Quote from: 'coxspau' pid='21726' dateline='1373973461'So after some persistence, I finally managed to secure a few mutes.

I've only tried two places in Hobart; Mystate looked blankly at me and didn't know what I was talking about.

(blank look)
So what sort of mutes are you talking about?
In my days as a teller in the 80s it was jargon for "mutilated notes".
Or are you talking about paper notes that have been cashed in?

Fulvio · July 17, 2013, 09:34:29 PM

Quote from: 'MobOfRoos' pid='21810' dateline='1374060239'In my days as a teller in the 80s it was jargon for "mutilated notes".

Still is, but includes copper/gold/predecimal coin, paper notes...

Naturally we're not interested in the damaged ones, just everything else.

coxspau · July 18, 2013, 09:21:59 AM

What Fulvio said. Although damaged notes are good for the kids to test whether they have any interest in notes....

b_j_w_79 · July 18, 2013, 10:51:12 AM

Quote from: 'enworb' pid='21772' dateline='1374023241'I have only ever got them from banks. Its got nothing to do which bank because sometimes one branch wont let you but if you drive down the road the next branch is more than happy to help. Just remember which ones are good.

I agree enworb. Bank are the only plave I know of. The other day I asked at 5 different branches than I normally would (a different town).

Home town (normally when I ask);
CBA - Depends on who is there
ANZ - No
NAB - Yes
Bendigo - No
Westpac - No

Away town;
CBA - Yes (gave 6x$100, 1x$50, 2x$20 and $12 in copper)
ANZ - No
NAB - No
Bendigo - Yes (but only had copper coins around $12 worth)
Westpac - No

It all varies depending on the branch you go to and sometimes the day (even the time of day).

enworb · July 18, 2013, 11:30:48 AM

The copper especially is a pain in the bum for banks. They need to accumulate $25 before armaguard or chub will receive it to take to the reserve bank. Paper notes on the other hand can be send much more easily with no limit. Youre more likely to get copper than notes going by my experiences.

Goldseeker · July 18, 2013, 01:35:27 PM

I got these today from the bank if anyone is interested please PM me. If no responses by Monday, 29/7/13, I shall return them to the bank.

ALL SOLD, DEAL DONE, NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

Fulvio · July 18, 2013, 02:56:11 PM

Three NAB branches, three responses.

1. Sure, but we've got nothing right now.
2. No way! Its against the law, and people have been sacked for it!
3. Lets have a look... mostly damaged notes, but two light $5's:
AA82 681032 light green UNC
BA93 635323 VF+

So it really is the luck of the draw.

coxspau · July 18, 2013, 05:23:11 PM

Westpac today....$160 worth of $1s and $2s...some a bit battered.

"Any 1c or 2c pieces?" - "Sure, $31 worth which have been sitting around for 2 years now".

More noodling than I bargained for.

JeffH · July 18, 2013, 05:55:59 PM

Anything not "demonetarised is still legal tender and the banks are obliged to exchange for current currency. There is no law (as far as I know) that says they have to return to the reserve Bank (to be destroyed!).
There is no legal impediment to them exchanging such coins and notes back out. It would seem that banks have no policy on this so it is left to the discretion of the staff member. Some play it safe and say "no" because they don't have a clue if there are any ramifications. Best bet is to be really nice and explain just enough so they know it is not illegal or an impropriety.

QuoteNo way! Its against the law, and people have been sacked for it!

I challenge anyone to confirm a valid dismissal for this reason.

Only Australian currency that is no longer legal tender are the holey dollar and the dump. Surely nobody would be silly enough to try to cash them in???! I would be happy to buy them back at face value -62½¢. :yahoo: In fact I would offer a dollar and say "keep the change" and make a generous donation to the bank staff Christmas party fund. That's an 'in your dreams' moment I think.

Jeff

coxspau · July 18, 2013, 06:04:23 PM

Thanks Jeff, good to know. While it's not criminal, I wonder whether selling mutes is against certain bank policies and perhaps only certain branch managers know the policy. Of course, the branch managers might just want to keep the mutes for themselves, so there could always be another reason. Or perhaps some people are just enjoy being unhelpful.

Regrettably, I think it is likely to be the latter.

Fulvio · July 18, 2013, 07:51:46 PM

Quote from: 'coxspau' pid='21895' dateline='1374136463'...enjoy being unhelpful.

And there is the huge problem with bureaucracies. They attract certain types of personalities who are not at all what you would ever call "helpful".

JeffH · July 19, 2013, 06:20:42 AM

The problem some staff have is the, to them, unreasonable expectation of their bosses that they must deal with the public.
Brings to mind the episode of Yes Minister about St. Edwards Hospital -"Sir Ian Whitchurch: "First of all, you have to sort out the smooth running of the hospital. Having patients around would be no help at all."
Sir Humphrey: "They just be in the way."