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MONCTON, N.B. — It was the opposite of a big-money theft.

Thieves made off with what the RCMP say is a “significant quantity” of Canadian currency — all in $1 and $2 bills — from a collectibles store in Moncton, N.B.

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The bills, which went out of circulation decades ago when they were replaced by loonie and toonie coins, are still legal tender.

But such denominations are rarely used, and the stolen notes are now drawing more attention than $100 bills in Moncton.

While people may legally own and pass these older bills, they are considered collectibles and not often used

Police are asking store owners to keep an eye out for them — and contact police if someone tries to use them.

The theft was discovered after a break-in alarm at the store early Saturday, and police say they’ve heard people have already tried to use them.

“Police … are encouraging business owners to be vigilant and to contact police if a customer attempts to use such older currency,” Codiac Regional RCMP said in a release.

“While people may legally own and pass these older bills, they are considered collectibles and not often used, and may be part of the stolen currency.”