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 Replies: 22 / Views: 4,895 |
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New Member
Canada
21 Posts |
High, I'm new to the forum and to coin collecting. I wanted to buy this pendant for my mother for mothers day: http://www.ebay.com/itm/26120763652....m1555.l2649I am worried that the penny was defaced. Can I get in trouble for buying this? It's nice looking but I don't want my mother to get in trouble for wearing it. |
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Valued Member
Canada
475 Posts |
What great gift idea! She will love it! Welcome aboard. No legalities with this completely aok!
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New Member
 Canada
21 Posts |
Thanks for the reply, but I read this on the Royal Canadian Mint website: Quote:
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. I was wondering what is the penalty for defacing coins? Has anyone ever heard of someone paying a fine or going to jail? IS this just an outdated law nobody enforces anymore or doses it apply more to counterfeiting money? |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
3690 Posts |
Pretty sure you and your mom will avoid any jail time but the RCMP might be looking for Doc and his amazing stuff  I sure hope they don't find out about all those pennies we flattened on train tracks when we were kids, or this...  Seriously, if you're happy with the item (and the price), I think it would make a nice gift for coin collector; added bonus if you can borrow it every now and then. Edited by CC-Ottawa
04/28/2013 1:21 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1391 Posts |
Wow, you Canadians. We certainly have some cultural differences that I find puzzling (and I am sure that you guys often shake your head at your southern neighbors, too).
But is that really from the mint website? "Or use otherwise than as currency any coin that is legal tender in Canada." That is vague enough that a coin collector could be breaking the law, as collecting really isn't using currency as it was designed.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
3167 Posts |
 There are tons of pennies out there that have had worse happen to them than this. Your Mom will love it! |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
3690 Posts |
Quote:
But is that really from the mint website? Actually, it's in the Currency Act under "Melting Coins"... The full quote, including potential penalty, is... "11. (1) No person shall, except in accordance with a licence granted by the Minister, melt down, break up or use otherwise than as currency any coin that is current and legal tender in Canada. (2) Every person who contravenes subsection (1) or any condition attached to a licence referred to in that subsection is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months or to both, and, in addition to any fine or imprisonment imposed, the court may order that the articles by means of or in relation to which the offence was committed be forfeited to Her Majesty." http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/...e-2.html#h-8Edited by CC-Ottawa
04/28/2013 1:30 pm
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
593 Posts |
@CC-Ottawa where did you that penny?
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
3167 Posts |
Quote:
That is vague enough that a coin collector could be breaking the law I agree, but theoretically if you are collecting current circulating coins, how would anyone be able to say that is against the law? Maybe you just like to feel rich  |
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New Member
Canada
21 Posts |
Thanks for the link CC-Ottawa.
Looks like it only applies to melting down coins.
"any coin that is current and legal tender in Canada."
Are pennies still considered legal tender?
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
3690 Posts |
Quote:
@CC-Ottawa where did you that penny? IF I had one, I would have gotten it on ebay but the maker of the puzzle also has a website. All kinds of coin puzzles and jewelry made with Canadian coins...but he's 'defacing' them in the US. And of course he's hacking up tons of US coins too. http://www.coincutart.com/servlet/t...F/CategoriesYes, Cdn pennies are still legal tender. |
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Valued Member
Canada
69 Posts |
No one is going to come after you for "defacing" $0.01, not worth anyone's time (even government employees)
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
2124 Posts |
All coins produced by the Mint are legal tender.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
4227 Posts |
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Valued Member
Canada
300 Posts |
 Sophie Plating would not be considered "defacing" since the underlying image is visible and not changed in appearance. It looks very attractive and I would encourage you to give it to your mother, without any guilt or other worries. Rob |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1502 Posts |
all those penny flattening machines/presses at tourist destinations should be raided if damaging pennies is that much of an offence.
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Replies: 22 / Views: 4,895 |
Posted 04/28/2013 1:09 pm
