February 14, 2013 – After saying farewell to the penny with the final distribution of this iconic coin on February 4, 2013, the Royal Canadian Mint is marking the end of an era with special rolls made from the last million pennies made for distribution, which are likely to sell out quickly, given that only 20,000 rolls are available.
“With every new collector product, the Royal Canadian Mint turns to a new page in the never ending story of Canada and we are proud to have captured an unforgettable moment by commemorating the last distribution of Canada’s penny,” said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “Our stories, our symbols, and our nature are all part of the Canadian experience and we are proud that our finely crafted collector coins capture the spirit of Canada for the enjoyment of customers around the world.”
The one-cent circulation coin, more commonly known as the penny, has an unquestionable legacy as both a pillar of Canadian commerce and a cornerstone of our cultural history. The last million coins produced for distribution at the Mint’s Winnipeg facility in the spring of 2012 were set aside to create 20,000 of rolls of 50 coins each, packaged in a commemorative wrap and sealed with a holographic label. This unique collectible is a final farewell and thank you to a coin which has been part of the Mint’s history since it first opened for business in Ottawa, in 1908.
Here you can visit the website of the Royal Canadian Mint.
There you can find also all information relative to the everyday life since the elimination of the penny.
You can assist the striking of the last Canadian penny in this video.
In a recent article Richard Giedroyc published some thoughts about the hidden costs of the penny’s elimination.