The Royal Canadian Mint is dedicated to providing our customers with the best service possible.The answers to the questions below should help you find what you need to know, but if you need additional assistance, please feel free to Contact Us.

Update on COVID-19 Pandemic

Has the Mint resumed numismatic coin production?

Yes. The Mint has been working hard since mid-March to find the best way to operate at full capacity in a safe and sustainable way. With the implementation of a number of new safety measures, the Mint will resume the production of numismatic coins starting Monday, May 25.



Please note that delivery carriers are experiencing higher than normal volumes at this time, which may result in delays to your parcel delivery. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.

Will there be fewer collectable coins available for the rest of 2020?

While the 2020 product portfolio is smaller, the launch schedule will remain the same with tailored products that tell relevant and uniquely Canadian stories sure to complement your collection.

Will the Royal Canadian Mint close boutiques in Ottawa and Winnipeg?

Winnipeg Update:

The Royal Canadian Mint boutique and tours located at 520 Lagimodiere Blvd in Winnipeg is open. Guests wanting to take a tour must call ahead and book a reservation, 204-984-1144. There will be limited walk-up tours available.

As of Friday, August 28, the Royal Canadian Mint has a mandatory face covering policy in place. All guests 5 years of age or older must wear a mask, or face covering that securely covers the nose, mouth and chin while in the boutique and/or on the tour walk.

A full list of our COVID-19 RESPONSE IS AVAILABLE HERE.

Ottawa Update:

The Royal Canadian Mint boutique and tours located at 320 Sussex Dr. in Ottawa is closed until further notice due to COVID-19. Please visit mint.ca or call 1-800-267-1871 if you have any questions. Thank you for your understanding.

I am a Master's Club member. During this difficult time, are premium account representatives still available?

Yes. We are committed to minimizing disruptions to service as best we can, so your account representative will be available to take your call.

How can I cancel or reschedule a tour I previously had booked?

If you would like cancel or reschedule a tour of either facility please call our Customer Solution Centre and our agents will be happy to assist you 1-800-267-1871.

Shopping

Tax Treatment On Numismatic Coins

Ordering & Shipping

Returns & Cancellations

General

Valuation and dealers

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Shopping

How do I create an account?

To register for an account, simply click on ‘Log in to your account' at the top of the page above the Search field and follow the instructions.

Once your account is created and you have logged in, you can access:

Personal information: to change or modify your details.

Order history: to track pending orders and review past ones.

Shipping information: to change your shipping address.

Payment options: to modify billing address and credit card information.

Subscriptions: to edit subscription preferences.

Email and password: to revise email and password details. If you forget your password there is a link in the My Account section, which enables you to receive your password reminder by email.

How does the shopping cart work?

The Shopping Cart summarizes all your current online purchases. Each item selected for purchase from the Mint Store is itemized by photo, product name, quantity, unit cost and total cost. You can make additions and deletions to your order and view the revised total of your purchase. You can either continue shopping to add more items to your Shopping Cart or complete the purchase transaction by clicking on the Checkout button, once you have chosen your location and shipping method.

You will then be prompted to log in, if you haven't already done so. Enter your shipping address and payment details, then review your order one more time before submitting it. When your order has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and a separate confirmation by email.

Can I also shop by phone, fax, mail or in person?

We would be delighted to welcome you at our boutiques in Ottawa and Winnipeg. Boutique business hours are detailed in Visit the Mint. To shop by phone, call: 1-800-267-1871 or 1-613-954-2626 (International). For mail and fax orders, call to request a catalogue, then fax the completed order form to (613) 993-4092 (long distance charges may apply), or mail to:

Royal Canadian Mint

320 Sussex Drive

Ottawa, ON K1A 0G8

Canada

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Where can I purchase coins and/or coin sets from previous years?

The Royal Canadian Mint only deals in current issue products. For previous releases, we suggest you consult an authorized coin dealer. To find a dealer near you, go to our Dealer Locator section or check the Yellow Pages to find a coin dealer in your area. You may also be able to find more information about previous releases in our Links & Resources section.

What is the Masters Club and how do I become a member?

The Masters Club exists for our most valued customers. Members enjoy unique benefits such as free shipping and handling (US and Canada Only), advance notice of Royal Canadian Mint products, and access to a dedicated info line for questions and comments (US and Canada Only). For further details, learn more about the Masters Club online or call 1-800-267-1871 (Canada and US) or 1-613-954-2626 for international customers. Our hours are from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm ET Monday to Friday.

I live in the U.S. and I have ordered from the Royal Canadian Mint ("RCM") many times in the past and have not been charged any U.S. state sales tax. Why is RCM charging me U.S. state sales tax now?

RCM has reviewed its U.S. state sales tax obligations and it is necessary that we charge you the same U.S. state sales tax that you would pay if you had bought from a local coin dealer in your state.

Is there any way for me not to pay the U.S. state sales tax?

The Royal Canadian Mint must charge U.S. state sales tax for deliveries to the states in which the Royal Canadian Mint has registered to collect tax. If you can provide a valid tax exemption/resale certificate for the state of delivery then RCM does not have to charge the U.S. state sales tax. Generally, resellers, such as coin dealers, who are registered with the state of delivery, are able to provide these certificates. Individual consumers are not able to provide these certificates and must incur the tax.

How will the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) affect my purchase?

Following the implementation of harmonized sales tax (HST) regimes in Ontario and British Columbia on July 1, 2010, all gold and silver products meeting the following conditions will be HST exempt:

Minimum purity must be 99.5% for gold and platinum and 99.9% for silver;

Products must be in bar, ingot, coin or wafer form; and

Coins satisfying minimum purity levels must have also been issued by a government authority as legal tender.

For further information, please visit the Canada Revenue Agency's website at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/bsnss/tpcs/gst-tps/menu-eng.html.

Where can I purchase the Gold Maple Leaf bullion coin?

If you are a Canadian resident, you can purchase Gold Maple Leaf bullion coins from the main branches of many chartered banks. If you are a US resident, please check with an authorized distributor in your area to purchase Canadian Maple Leaf coins. You can find additional details on the Bullion DNA Dealer locator page. If you have more questions, please contact us.

If an item is awaiting stock, does that mean it is no longer available?

No. When an item is shown as "Awaiting stock" this means that it is on backorder. Items on backorder are normally re-stocked within 2 to 4 weeks.

Why can I not find the item I am looking for?

If the coin you are looking for is from the current year but you are unable to find it on the website, then it could be sold out or no longer available. Check with a coin dealer in your area for products from previous years.

How can I obtain a Royal Canadian Mint catalogue?

You can request a catalogue by calling 1-800-267-1871 in Canada and the US or 1-613-954-2626 for international customers. Call now and request to have your account made available online, which allows you to place orders online and view your order history. If you prefer, you can also consult our most recent catalogue.

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I already have an account. How do I log in?

If you have not done so already, call us at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada and the US or 1-613-954-2626 for international customers and request your temporary password. Once you receive it by email, simply log in by clicking on the "Log in to your account" link located at the top of the page. You will then be asked to change your password. Once this is done, you will be prompted to log in again using your new personal password.

I live in the United States. Can I purchase items from mint.ca?

To ensure that American residents always benefit from the most competitive exchange rates, all items in our catalogues are listed in Canadian dollars only. If you are in the US and paying by credit card, your company will automatically convert the payment to US funds at the time of shipment.

Should you wish to pay by money order or certified check, please call 1-800-267-1871 and one of our customer service representatives will be happy to assist you.



The United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) requires that a US-based Ultimate Consignee or Foreign-based Ultimate Consignee or receiver of the goods provide a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) or Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employer identification number for any order equal to or exceeding CAD$2,000.

In order to comply with US Customs regulations, the Royal Canadian Mint will now require your SSN or IRS number when you place an order that equals or exceeds CAD$2,000 in value. This information will be recorded in the US Customs Service computer system for customs purposes only.

I live outside Canada and the United States. Can I purchase items from mint.ca?

Anyone living outside of Canada and the United States should contact a local coin dealer to purchase Royal Canadian Mint products. See our dealer locator for details.



Also note, that it is the customer's responsibility to pay any duties or taxes for any goods shipped to an international address. Any shipping charges for packages returned to us as a result of a customer's failure to pay customs, duties and taxes will be billed to that customer.

Will my personal information be secure?

Your privacy and security of information are important to us. All personal information is maintained in the strictest confidence in one of the highest security facilities in the country. The Mint also uses industry standard encryption technology and secure data transfer protocols to protect your account information when you place online orders with us. Please refer to our Privacy Notice for more details.

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Tax Treatment On Numismatic Coins

Why is the Mint starting to tax precious metal numismatic coins in all provinces and territories?

The Mint has long relied on the definition of financial services or instruments in the Excise Tax Act to determine what coins may subject to GST/HST.



After conducting internal reviews and consulting external tax advisors, the Mint has determined that some numismatic coins that have been modified to a degree where they no longer fit the narrow criteria for "financial services or instruments" that previously exempted them from taxation.



These modifications include, but are not limited to:

Embellishments such as sculptures or moving parts

Crystals, gemstones or diamonds embedded into the coin

Sculptures and/or other moving parts

Why did the Mint wait until now to change the tax treatment on impacted coins?

The Mint routinely reviews its business practices to ensure they comply with all applicable laws and standards.



The tax for most of numismatic coins was based on the financial instrument rules in the Excise Tax Act. While the GST legislation hasn't changed, the Canada Revenue Agency and court decisions have narrowed the interpretation of the financial services or instruments section of the Excise Tax Act.

What coins will now be subject to federal and provincial sales taxes?

Coins with one or more modifications where the total purity of the finished product – including embellishments and embedded items – means the entire product is less than 99.9% for silver and 99.5% for gold or platinum.

Why do I have to pay sales tax on some coins and not on others?

The Royal Canadian Mint is obligated to collect all applicable federal and provincial or territorial taxes.



In some provinces, sales tax is charged when the overall purity of a coin (including embellishments, jewels, moving parts, etc.) falls below 99.9% pure for silver and 99.5% pure for gold and platinum. In Manitoba and British Columbia, Provincial Sales Tax is charged when the selling price exceeds the face value of the coin.

How will this affect the selling price of coins?

The selling price of the coins will not change. However, certain coins will be subject to GST/HST, as well as Provincial Sales Tax in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Quebec, as of September 28, 2020.

Does this affect all of the coins in a series if I've already subscribed to?

The Mint will not apply sales tax to any current subscriptions. New subscriptions for 2021 coins onward will be taxed if the underlying coins don't meet the purity thresholds.

What will be the total percentage of GST/HST/PST for coins sold/delivered in my province or territory?

Applicable sales taxes, in each province and territory, are as follows:



GST/HST PST Combined BC 5% 7% 12% AB 5% 5% SK 5% 6% 11% MB 5% 7% 12% ON 13% 13% QU 5% 9.975% 14.975% NB 15% 15% NS 15% 15% PE 15% 15% NF 15% 15% NU 5% 5% YK 5% 5% NT 5% 5%

British Columbia, Manitoba: All numismatic coins are already subject to provincial sales tax in British Columbia and Manitoba. As of September 28, 2020, coins that are not subject to GST will also be subject to 5% GST when the modifications impact the overall purity of the coin and the delivery and/or sale occurs in British Columbia or Manitoba.

All numismatic coins are already subject to provincial sales tax in British Columbia and Manitoba. As of September 28, 2020, coins that are not subject to GST will also be subject to 5% GST when the modifications impact the overall purity of the coin and the delivery and/or sale occurs in British Columbia or Manitoba. Alberta: There is no provincial sales tax in Alberta. As of September 28, 2020, coins that are not Subject to GST will be subject to GST when the modifications impact the overall purity of the coin and the delivery and/or sale occurs in Alberta. The current GST rate is 5%.

There is no provincial sales tax in Alberta. As of September 28, 2020, coins that are not Subject to GST will be subject to GST when the modifications impact the overall purity of the coin and the delivery and/or sale occurs in Alberta. The current GST rate is 5%. Saskatchewan: As of September 28, 2020, coins that are not subject to GST or Saskatchewan Provincial Tax will be subject to GST and SK PST when the modifications impact the overall purity of the coin and the delivery or sale occurs in Saskatchewan. The current GST rate in Saskatchewan is 5% and the current SK PST rate is 6%.

As of September 28, 2020, coins that are not subject to GST or Saskatchewan Provincial Tax will be subject to GST and SK PST when the modifications impact the overall purity of the coin and the delivery or sale occurs in Saskatchewan. The current GST rate in Saskatchewan is 5% and the current SK PST rate is 6%. Ontario: As of September 28, 2020, coins that are not subject to GST will also be subject to HST when the modifications impact the overall purity of the coin and the delivery or sale occurs in Ontario. The current HST rate in Ontario is 13%.

As of September 28, 2020, coins that are not subject to GST will also be subject to HST when the modifications impact the overall purity of the coin and the delivery or sale occurs in Ontario. The current HST rate in Ontario is 13%. Quebec: As of September 28, 2020, coins that are not subject to GST will be subject to GST and QST when the modifications impact the overall purity of the coin and the delivery and/or sale occurs in Quebec. The current GST rate is 5% and QST rate is 9.975% in Quebec.

As of September 28, 2020, coins that are not subject to GST will be subject to GST and QST when the modifications impact the overall purity of the coin and the delivery and/or sale occurs in Quebec. The current GST rate is 5% and QST rate is 9.975% in Quebec. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador: As of September 28, 2020, coins that are not subject to GST will also be subject to HST when the modifications impact the overall purity of the coin and the delivery and/or sale occurs in these provinces. The current HST rate in these provinces is 15%.

As of September 28, 2020, coins that are not subject to GST will also be subject to HST when the modifications impact the overall purity of the coin and the delivery and/or sale occurs in these provinces. The current HST rate in these provinces is 15%. Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon Territory: As of September 28, 2020, coins that are not subject to GST will also be subject to GST when the modifications impact the overall purity of the coin and the delivery and/or sale occurs in these territories. The current GST rate in these territories is 5%.

Will additional taxes, such as U.S. state sales taxes or Value Added Tax (VAT), apply to applicable coins sold outside Canada?

In most countries with a VAT, numismatic coins have always been taxable regardless of purity. The Mint is not registered for VAT outside Canada, so we do not collect VAT outside Canada.



In the United States, numismatic coins are subject to sales tax, depending on individual state laws. The Mint is already registered for sales tax in several U.S. jurisdictions and collects tax in these states, when applicable

I live in the US. Will I be charged additional taxes?

In the United States, numismatic coins are subject to sales tax, depending on individual state laws. The Mint is already registered for sales tax in several U.S. jurisdictions and collects tax in these states, when applicable.

Will the new GST/HST tax treatment apply to foreign numismatic coins re-sold by the Mint (e.g., Perth Mint, Mint of Poland available on mint.ca)?

The new GST/HST tax treatment will apply to foreign numismatic coins that have embellishments where the total purity of the finished product – including embellishment and embedded items – means the entire product is less than 99.9% for silver and 99.5% for gold or platinum.

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Ordering & Shipping

How do I check the status of my order?

To view the status of your order, click on Track order at the top of the page. You can also inquire about the status of your order by calling us at 1-800- 267-1871 in Canada and the US. Our hours are from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm ET, Monday to Friday.

Is delivery really free if I am a Masters Club member?

Members receive free delivery for their orders within the US and Canada (orders over $1,000.00 will ship for free internationally). The mode of free delivery offered will depend on a number of factors including size and value of the product and the destination, and will be determined by the Royal Canadian Mint in its sole discretion.

This is just one of the many advantages of joining the Masters Club. Learn more about the Masters Club now.

How long does it usually take to receive an order?

Approximate transit times for available items – with Standard Shipping (Canada Post) – are as follows:

2-3 days in Greater Toronto and Ottawa area

3-5 days in Southwestern Ontario

4-9 days in other major Canadian cities

Up to three weeks for remote areas of Canada

Ordering items that do NOT have an available status will delay the delivery of that order

* Please keep in mind that seasonal volumes and inclement weather can increase these estimated times.

* Please note that the Royal Canadian Mint may require that you sign a receipt of delivery in person for your order from the shipper. In such cases, if you change or waive this requirement to allow for your order to be dropped off without your receipt signature, you have unilaterally changed the shipping terms and the Royal Canadian Mint is not liable and not responsible to you for any loss, theft or damage to your order at delivery.

To calculate total delivery time, add 2 days processing to the above transit times. Selecting FedEX will reduce the above transit times.

Do I pay multiple shipping charges if my order includes an item that is on backorder?

The shipping cost is a flat fee per order, so there is no extra cost to you for backordered items that are shipped separately.

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Returns & Cancellations

What is the returns policy and procedure?

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed or your money back. The Mint takes pride in the superior quality and craftsmanship of its products. Shop with confidence knowing that if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may return it to us within 30 calendar days, as explained further below and subject to the conditions below. We will gladly offer you the choice of a refund or a replacement of the same product originally purchased (subject to product availability).

All returns are subject to the following conditions:



All items must be returned in their original condition, with all original packaging (including the original display cases, outer protective boxes, certificates of authenticity, etc.). Any free or bonus promotional items associated with your purchase must also be returned at the same time.

You will be required to provide proof of purchase from the Mint (i.e. your invoice or receipt).

Refunds will be provided in the same form of payment and currency (i.e. Canadian dollars) originally used for purchase.

Merchandise purchased from a Mint boutique must be returned to that boutique within 30 calendar days from the date of purchase.

For merchandise purchased through the Mint's website (mint.ca), mobile application or call centre, please follow the steps below to first obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization number (RMA number) and then return your purchase by mail. You must contact the Mint to request a RMA number for your return within 30 calendar days of the date of invoice, and then send your merchandise to the Mint within 30 calendar days of receiving the RMA number. If merchandise is returned to the Mint with no RMA number, receipt may be declined and the package may be returned to the original sender's address; the sender may also incur the shipping charges for the unauthorized return.

From Canada:

Returns are free within Canada when you use the prepaid Canada Post shipping label offered by the Mint. For your convenience, simply:



Call our Customers Service Solutions Centre at 1-800-267-1871 to request a RMA number. We'll have Canada Post send you an email with a PDF of a return label. Please print the label and then drop off your package at the nearest Canada Post location. If you can't print the label, please reference the RMA number and Canada Post will gladly print it for you.

From the United States:

The Mint will reimburse you for up to CAD $15 of the cost for the return shipping from the United States. For your convenience, simply:



Call our Customer Services Solutions Centre at 1-800-268-6468 to request a RMA number. Ship your package to the Royal Canadian Mint in accordance with the instructions provided by the Customer Service Solutions Centre. Please include your RMA number in the package. In order to obtain reimbursement from the Mint for the cost of the return shipping, up to a maximum of CAD $15, please submit your shipping receipt as well in accordance with the instructions provided. Important note: Please be advised that the Royal Canadian Mint is not responsible for returned purchases that are lost or damaged in shipment. To ensure your return package does not get lost, we would recommend that you choose a carrier who provides the option of a tracking number, insurance and/or "signature required" shipping.

How do I cancel my order?

Please call us at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US or (613) 954-2626 from outside of Canada or the US, from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 7 pm EST. Click here to request cancellation of a purchase made online at www.mint.ca.

We will do our best to cancel your order before it leaves our warehouse. However depending on what stage of the shipping process your order is in, it is not always possible to cancel your order.

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General

Can I redeem a collector coin at a bank or use it as currency to purchase goods or services?

All coins manufactured by the Mint are legal tender. However, unlike Canadian circulation coins, collector coins are non-circulating legal tender (NCLT). As such, these coins are not intended for daily commercial transactions and accepting them as payment or for redemption is at the discretion of businesses and financial institutions.

The Mint has a process in place to reimburse financial institutions the face value of redeemed NCLT coins, once they have accepted them from a customer and returned them to the Mint. In the event a bank branch is unaware of this procedure, customers are advised to contact the Mint with the coordinates of the bank branch, which will take steps to inform the branch of the redemption process.

As collector coins can only be redeemed at face value by businesses and financial institutions willing to accept them, it is recommended that individuals wishing to sell a collector coin first consult with a coin dealer, who is more likely to offer a price above face value.

Is it illegal to melt or deface Canadian coins?

The Currency Act and The Canadian Criminal Code clearly state that no person shall melt down, break up or use otherwise than as currency any coin that is legal tender in Canada.

Is circulation coin counterfeiting a problem in Canada?

The Royal Canadian Mint has been conducting ongoing sampling of circulation coins across the country over the past several years to determine whether coin counterfeiting is a concern. The sampling results conclude that circulation coin counterfeiting is not an issue in Canada.

I suspect that I have a counterfeit coin in my possession. Who can I contact?

While the Royal Canadian Mint produces all circulation coins in Canada, as well as numismatic coins for purchase, any investigation into counterfeit currency must be initiated by the police. If you suspect you have a counterfeit coin in your possession, you should report it to your local police. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have Regional Counterfeit Coordinators stationed across the country to assist the investigating agency. For more information on counterfeit coin detection, please visit the RCMP's website: http://counterfeitcoins.bc.rcmp.ca

The Mint encourages customers to purchase numismatic coins only from reputable coin dealers. Please consult our comprehensive list here.

Why does the Mint Mark appear on all Canadian circulation coins?

The Mint Mark is designed to communicate the Mint's reputation for high quality and innovation. While it acknowledges the Mint's role in minting Canadian circulation coins, it also enhances public awareness of the corporation. The Mint feels it is important for Canadians to know where their coins are produced.

How does the Royal Canadian Mint determine which designs appear on a coin?

The Mint receives many suggestions for coin themes every year and bases its design selections on several criteria. All designs must reflect Canada's heritage, culture and values. The Mint prides itself in depicting themes of significance to Canadians – themes that commemorate, celebrate and promote Canada. It can take two years in advance of their public release for these themes to be decided upon. The Mint also regularly conducts market research to assess the popularity of proposed themes.

Coin Theme Suggestion Process

1. Submissions for non-circulation (collector) or circulation coins may be sent to:



Product Team

Royal Canadian Mint

320 Sussex Drive

Ottawa, Ontario

K1A 0G8

themes@mint.ca



In order to properly evaluate a submission, it is suggested that the following information be included:

Theme or anniversary and any relevant dates or celebratory events; If a theme is tied to an anniversary, the submission should be made at least two calendar years out as product marketing and production plans are developed well in advance.

Any relevant promotional activity surrounding the theme or anniversary;

Background information (i.e. historical, Web links);

Requestor's contact information;

You understand and agree when you submit your coin theme suggestion to the Royal Canadian Mint that: (1) your coin theme suggestions and their contents will automatically become the property of the Royal Canadian Mint, without any compensation to you; (2) the Royal Canadian Mint may use or redistribute coin theme suggestions and their contents for any purpose and in any way; (3) there is no obligation for the Royal Canadian Mint to review these coin theme suggestions; (4) there is no obligation to keep any submissions confidential; and (5) you are not violating any agreement or understanding you have with another party, including current or former employer.

2. A formal response is drafted and sent, in order to confirm receipt of suggestion.

3. RCM Marketing conducts bi-annual market research to evaluate themes and their emotional and commercial appeal with our coin buyers. In addition, themes must:

Reflect Canada's heritage, values and culture; Be appropriate to the currency of Canada and commemorate, celebrate, or promote Canada by depicting themes of significance to Canadians; Any text on a coin must be in both of Canada's official languages.

4. All coin products are subject to Government approval:

Non-circulation coin designs are the responsibility of the Minister responsible for the Royal Canadian Mint;

Circulation coins are authorized by Order in Council.

5. Notification of approval is received by the Mint from the Government four to five months prior to planned product launch.

6. Upcoming issues of circulation coins are communicated through mass advertising. Non-circulation coins are launched through various marketing activities including coin events, catalogues and direct marketing.

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Why is the effigy of the Queen depicted on Canadian coins?

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is portrayed on all Canadian coinage by tradition as Canada is a constitutional monarchy. In fact, the image of the reigning sovereign has appeared on Canadian coins since the Mint was founded in 1908. The 1952 accession to the throne proclaimed Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as the Queen of Canada, and the Government of Canada reiterated its decision to retain the image of the sovereign on Canadian coins.

What was the first coin produced at the Royal Canadian Mint?

The first coin ever struck at the Mint was a fifty-cent piece. Governor General Earl Grey activated the press on January 2, 1908 to produce this coin, which became Canada's first domestically produced coin. A few moments later, the Countess Grey struck the second coin ever produced at the Mint – a copper penny.

Does the Royal Canadian Mint produce banknotes as well as coins?

Since opening in 1908, the Royal Canadian Mint's mandate has been to produce coins only to meet the needs of the Canadian marketplace. The production of banknotes is the responsibility of the Bank of Canada. You can contact the Bank of Canada at 1-800-303-1282, or info@bankofcanada.ca, or visit the Bank of Canada's website at www.bankofcanada.ca.

Is the 50-cent coin still legal tender?

The 50-cent coin is legal tender in Canada. In recent decades, the fifty-cent circulation coin has not been widely used in day-to-day transactions and requests for 50-cent coins mainly come from collectors and dealers.

Why do some coin-operated machines not accept certain coins?

Since 2001, the Royal Canadian Mint has produced coins using the multilayer plating process. The new plated coins have a special electromagnetic signal for vending machines, which meant that some vending machines required a software upgrade. In 1999, the Mint issued test coins throughout the industry to assist in the upgrading process. Canadians in some regions may still experience difficulty with the new coins as a result of machines that have not yet been upgraded or recalibrated. However, this problem is encountered less and less frequently owing to ongoing testing and adjustments, and by 2004, approximately 90% of all vending machines in Canada were upgraded.

The Mint uses this production method because it significantly reduces costs, saving the Canadian government an estimated $10 million per year.

How many circulation coins have been produced by the Royal Canadian Mint?

Learn more about the mintages of each circulation coin denomination in Canada by visiting the Circulation Coins subsection of the History section of Mint.ca for specifications and mintages and other details regarding circulation coins.

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Are there any plans to release a $5 circulation coin to replace the $5 bill?

The decision to issue a new circulation coin is the responsibility of the Canadian government. There are currently no plans to make $5 coins or discontinue the $5 bill. The $2 coin was introduced as a cost-saving measure in 1996.

When will the 1-cent coin be taken out of circulation?

In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Government of Canada announced that it will modernize Canada's currency set by eliminating the penny from Canada's coinage system. While the coins will remain legal tender, the Royal Canadian Mint will no longer distribute pennies as of February 4, 2013.

Can I return damaged or mutilated coins to the Royal Canadian Mint?

The Mint does not accept damaged or mutilated coins. Consumers are encouraged to visit a financial institution branch at which they already have an account to redeem the value of their coins.

Can I recycle coins?

Recycling coins is a cost effective and efficient way for the Mint to provide coins to the marketplace and it has less impact than producing new coins. Learn more about the Mint's recycling coin recycling program here.

What is a Crown Corporation?

A federal Crown corporation in Canada is a corporation distinct legal entity established by the federal government to deliver public policy and is wholly owned either directly or indirectly by the government. While Crown corporations are instruments of public policy, many also operate in a business commercial environment. Some Crown corporations are completely funded by government; others are self-sufficient or profit-making, like the Royal Canadian Mint. On a day-to-day basis, Crown corporations operate at arm's length from the government. The responsible Minister determines the Corporation's broad policy directions while a Board of Directors is responsible for the day-to-day operations, strategic direction and management performance of the organization.

Why are there two Royal Canadian Mint facilities?

The Mint's Ottawa facility produces hand-crafted collector and commemorative coins, gold bullion coins, medals and medallions. It is here that all the master tooling is done to create the dies that strike coin designs for both circulation and commemorative issues. The Mint's gold and silver refining as well as its advanced engineering operations are also located in Ottawa.

The Mint's Winnipeg facility is a high-tech, high-volume manufacturing facility. This is where all of Canada's circulation coinage is produced. Over 40 coining presses enable the production of up to 20 million coins per day. The Mint also produces foreign circulation coins in Winnipeg. Over the past 25 years, the Mint has produced coinage for over 60 different countries.

Where can I learn more about coins and mints?

There are links to other coin-related resources in our Links & Resources section, as well as a comprehensive glossary for reference.

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Can I store my gold or other precious metals at the Mint?

The Royal Canadian Mint provides storage services for Royal Canadian Mint-branded precious metals in its vaults. This service is not offered directly to individuals, but through business-to-business accounts with the Mint. Metals dealers may have a storage account with the Mint or can arrange to open one on behalf of their customers.

Can I redeem my old collector or bullion coins at the Mint?

Although the Royal Canadian Mint sells new collector coins directly to the public through its boutiques and online store, it does not buy back old collector coins. The Mint does not buy or sell bullion coins directly to the public, relying instead on a distribution network of retailers.

Can I visit the Royal Canadian Mint?

The Mint invites visitors year-round to take guided tours at both the Ottawa and Winnipeg facilities to discover more about the exciting world of coin production. Take a look at our Tours section for complete details.

Is there a limit to the amount of coins I can redeem at the store?

Section 8 (2) of The Currency Act states the limitations of payments with coins. Please visit the Department of Justice Canada for further information.

I have in my possession a coin that I think may be valuable. Does the Royal Canadian Mint appraise coins?

The Royal Canadian Mint does not provide information on the value of coins other than face value. A local coin dealer will be able to assist in determining the authenticity and value of a specific coin. Coin dealers can be located in a local edition of the Yellow Pages.

What does ISO 9001 mean?

ISO stands for "International Organization for Standardization". In 2000, the Mint qualified for ISO 9001 for its excellence procedures in maintaining high quality standards and has maintained this designation.

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How can I apply for a job at the Royal Canadian Mint?

To enquire about job opportunities at the Royal Canadian Mint visit our careers section or to submit a résumé by email to careers@mint.ca.

Do I need to obtain permission to reproduce coin images?

Yes. Please refer to the Mint's Intellectual Property Policy for more information.

Can you send me images of Canadian coins?

Requests for permission to obtain and/or reproduce images of intellectual property belonging to the Royal Canadian Mint may be submitted to the Intellectual Property Committee by email, Fax to (613) 990-4665, or by mail to:

Royal Canadian Mint

Attn: Intellectual Property Committee

320 Sussex Drive

Ottawa, ON

K1A 0G8

Please review our Intellectual Property Policy before obtaining an application form. Once the Royal Canadian Mint has the required information, allow three weeks for processing. Permission may be subject to payment of an administration fee, usage fee, and/or royalty.

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Valuation and dealers

How much are my coins worth?

The Royal Canadian Mint does not appraise the value of coins. Appraisals may vary from one dealer to the next, so we suggest you shop around. You may also be able to find more information about previous releases in our Links & Resources section.

How can I find a dealer?

To find a dealer near you, go to our Dealer Locator section or check the Yellow Pages to find a coin dealer in your area.

How do I become an authorized coin dealer?

For more information on how to become an authorized dealer of Royal Canadian Mint products, please email us. One of our customer service representatives will contact you shortly.

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