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.
Shopping
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 (Canada); 1-800-268-6468 (US) or (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
Please note: For international orders (outside US and Canada), we only accept credit card payments. Your credit card must accept transactions in Canadian funds and we must be able to verify your credit card details with the issuing bank.
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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 in Canada; 1-800-268-6468 in the US; or (613) 954-2626 for international customers. Our hours are from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm EST Monday to Friday, and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST on Saturdays.
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 will find additional details in the Bullion and Investing sections. 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?
Coins are available for a maximum of 12 months from their issue date. 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, 1-800-268-6468 in the US or (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, 1-800-268-6468 in the US or (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 1 800 268-6468 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 US$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 US$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?
The Royal Canadian Mint sells directly to residents of:
Canada
United States
Germany
United Kingdom
Poland
France
Japan
South Korea
Australia
Netherlands
Italy
Anyone living outside of these countries should contact a local coin dealer to purchase Royal Canadian Mint products. See our dealer locator for details.
Please note: Outside of the US and Canada, we only accept credit card payments. Your credit card must accept transactions in Canadian funds and we must be able to verify your credit card details with the issuing bank.
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 Security & Privacy section for more details.
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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, or 1 800 268-6468 in the US. Our hours are from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm EST, Monday to Friday, and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST on Saturdays.
Is shipping really free if I am a Masters Club member?
Members receive free regular (not express) shipping and handling for their orders within the US and Canada (orders over $1,000.00 will ship for free internationally). 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.
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
Are Royal Canadian Mint products guaranteed?
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed or your money back. Whether you are purchasing coins for your collection or unique gifts for friends and family, you can be assured that the Mint fully guarantees the superior quality and craftsmanship of its products. Shop with confidence knowing that if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you can simply return it to us in its original packaging within 30 days and we will gladly offer you a replacement (subject to product availability) or send you a full refund. In the case of a defective product, we will accept the return up to one year from the date of purchase.
What is the returns policy?
If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, simply return it to us within 30 days. For defective products, returns are accepted for up to one year from your date of purchase. Depending on your indicated preference and/or product availability, we will gladly replace your purchase or provide you with a full refund.
Returns: Five Easy Steps
- Call 1-800-267-1871 to request a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. This number will need to be included as part of your return package.
- Ensure the product is in its original packaging (single coins and coin sets must be returned in their original display cases and outer protective boxes, along with their respective Certificates of Authenticity).
- Include your packing slip or a short note indicating your name, customer number, complete mailing address and relevant order number with your return package.
- Indicate if you would prefer a purchase replacement or a full refund.
- Return your purchase by shipping via regular mail (*See Shipping & Reimbursement Guidelines below) to:
Royal Canadian Mint, PO Box 457, Stn A,
Ottawa, ON K1N 8V5 Canada
Returns: Shipping & Reimbursement Guidelines
- Please be advised that the Royal Canadian Mint is not responsible for returned purchases that are lost in the mail. Note: To ensure your return package does not get lost, consider choosing a carrier who provides the option of a tracking number, insurance or "signature required" shipping.
- If you are returning a defective product and wish to be reimbursed at the regular mail rate, up to a maximum of $15 CDN, please include your Request Merchandise Authorization number and copy of the shipping receipt. Note: This reimbursement does not apply to non-defective product or additional incidentals like insurance.
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 for international customers from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm EST, and Saturdays from 9 am to 5 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 given 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 up to one or 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:
Kate Holmes
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;
- Any relevant promotional activity surrounding the theme or anniversary;
- Background information (i.e. historical, Web links);
- Requestor's contact information;
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. 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.
5. 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.
6. Notification of approval is received by the Mint from the Government four to five months prior
to planned product launch.
7. 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 1-888-513-8212, or education@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 Standards". 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 obtain educational material on the Royal Canadian Mint?
The Mint has an education program available for use by various school grades. Click here to download it in PDF format
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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