If a $1 coin was introduced it needn't cause problems with pockets etc. Just design a suitable holder. I have one of These to hold £1 coins. Roughly two and a half inches in length, it holds 18 pound coins (when full). In the past I could go for an evening's drinking without taking a wallet, as long as the coin holder started the evening full.
I have a similar one which I take on holiday which holds 20+ 1 euro coins.
The rounded edges don't damage my pockets.