Bright as a dollar

Posted by Rachel on July 23, 2007

Where does the saying "bright as a dollar" come from? A definition plus a derivation would be good. Obviously it means very bright, eager, etc. I did a search on the internet and it's used often enough, but I couldn't find out what it meant or how it came to be. I can assume it must have something to do with a silver dollar as a dollar bill is not very bright. Any ideas?

• Bright as a dollar R. Berg 24/July/07