The last Canadian one-cent coin was minted last May. And on February 4th, the Royal Canadian Mint will stop redistributing one-cent coins to financial institutions.
To celebrate this change, the Canadian Mint has put out an "info graphic" about the history of the penny [ht Devin].
Quite frankly, I'm surprised that so few retailers have not already converted to a penny-free environment. When I ask cashiers if their shops have started to prepare for getting rid of the penny, usually I just get a blank stare or puzzled look.
Oh well, it'll happen soon. And it'll be in the news some more.
Meanwhile, I'm still awaiting my invitation from Ottawa to attend the gala celebration as the last pennies are shipped out from the Royal Mint.
For all my earlier writings on pennies, see this.