New 2012 Loonie

If you’ve never given any thought to the change in your pocket, you may want to check before taking transit. The new loonie and toonie coins aren’t being accepted in TransLink‘s ticket vending machines.

According to a News1130 story, TransLink stated that the Royal Canadian Mint had not provided samples of the new coins so that their machines could be calibrated. These coins look the same size as the existing change, but are lighter in weight due to different metals being used. If the ticket vending machine cannot properly determine the weight of the coin to ascertain its value, the offending coin is dropped back into ticket tray for the purchaser reclaim.

However, the Royal Canadian Mint has struck back at the transit authority stating that many companies, organizations and manufacturers were involved as early as 2009 to ensure their equipment would be ready for the change.

Until TransLink can correct the issue, passengers are advised to use their debit or credit cards or other coins.

How can you tell if you have one of the new loonies or toonies? An obvious giveaway is the date: all of the new coins stamped are with 2012 underneath the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The other way to tell is the little circle with a maple leaf minted above the loon on the loonie, while the toonie has two of the encircled maple leaves separating Canada 2 Dollars under the polar bears.

About Frederick Linsmeyer

A regular Coca-Cola drinking, hockey-watching, snow-shovelling Canadian, Frederick, aka Nephrus, loves his anime. Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Frederick runs amok between his hometown and the states of Illinois and Texas, spending time with friends, at anime conventions and looking for some good burgers or sushi.

View all articles by Frederick Linsmeyer

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