wmartin (10/19/82)
Since this original message was in relation to Canadian numismatic references, I am taking the opportunity to ask a couple questions about Canadian coins: 1) We have all heard much about the "pre-64" US silver, as investment or survival hoard, or whatever. What is the equivalent in Canadian coinage? When did Canadian coins drop the silver content? 2) I ended up with some Canadian change, having bought something while passing through the Minneapolis airport a while back. I just left it with my pocket change and it got spent at various locations. However, noticing it made me wonder about how it is treated in areas close to Canada, which must get a lot of it in circulation. Even though the Canadian dollar is currently worth somewhat less than the US dollar, are the coins just treated as equivalent while in circulation? That is, does a drugstore in Buffalo accept a Canadian quarter as equivalent to an American one, and just stick it in a roll with American quarters if it is turning in change at the bank? Does the bank just leave it with the others, or does it get sorted out at that point? Are the coin sizes and weights enough alike to work in vending machines? Are equivalent coins which are really different in value a problem in some areas, or not enough to matter? This isn't numismatics, but it is about coins at least... Regards, Will Martin