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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.