This was 40 years ago and he was stealing hundreds of coins a day.
Also, I'm sure you realize, but the US has had dollar coins since at least 1971. The public never really had much interest in using them and with cash use declining, I wouldnt expect that to change.
I didn't read the "failure to introduce" as meaning no coin was created, but more as "failure to launch" in that it was just never picked up by the population. My largest concern with the dollar coins where they were too similar to quarters in size and were often used in error as a quarter. it is the primary reason I've heard to explain the lack of acceptance.
The problem is actually pennies. There aren't enough coin slots in cash register draws so there is no where to put dollar coins. If we got rid of pennies we would have a place to put them.
Also, I'm sure you realize, but the US has had dollar coins since at least 1971. The public never really had much interest in using them and with cash use declining, I wouldnt expect that to change.