Indeed, test coins have no monetary value. But obtaining them is not free, as the user trying to mine them will have to follow all the steps from mainnet, including but not limited to: buy (rent) an ASIC, pay the electricity, pay for fees, plus the effort. Thus, if someone would ask money for test coins or a collateral for lending, he may be legit. Of course, as long as the discussion implies test coins on plain sight, not a scam for s
Thank you.
I know that testnet coins don't have monetary value but in reality such coins are invaluable for us, especially for developers and newbies.
For newbies, they can claim testnet coins to get experience with bitcoin (on testnet, of course), including how to install a wallet, backup a wallet, label an address, send a coin to a receiver, send coins to multiple receives in one batch of transaction, etc.
For developers, they can use testnet for their works.
Generally, testnet coins are invaluable. If you notice, you will see a warning on sites that allow to claim testnet coins, something like
"If you don't use your testnet coins, please send them back to the address ....".