Hundreds flock to Vancouver coin swap for new black toonie
Hundreds of people flocked to a Vancouver coin and jewelry store Friday, for the chance to get a hold of the new black toonie made to honour the life of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The line up outside of J&M Coin & Jewelry began well before the store opened, and eventually wrapped around the building.
“My father is in India, he’s a collector and he wanted the coin so bad,” a man named Ysh told CTV News outside the shop.
Ysh was among many people who were there simply for coin collecting purposes, but others were long-time Queen Elizabeth supporters.
“I loved her,” said a woman named Mary.
“She was a part of my life always, and she was a nice woman,” she continued.
The Royal Canadian Mint created the coin back in December, to pay tribute to the Queen’s historic 70-year reign.
“We introduced a black nickel technology to the outer ring, which represents an arm band representing her life,” said Robert Alain of the Royal Canadian Mint.
The RCM says $5.2 million has been made, 4.2 million of which has been released into the general circulation.
“I have the impression that many people who do find them maybe keep them,” said Alain.
“Hence why we're trying to get them into as many Canadian cities as possible to get them into people’s hands,” he continued.
While the coins are going an even toonie for a toonie at the swaps, some have been trying to cash out selling them in the secondary market.
The coin exchanges are cash only and people are limited to two.
The swap will run until 5 p.m. Friday before resuming at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.