With Canada’s coins getting lighter, we geekily measured loonies against other currencies
The Royal Canadian Mint has weighed in: Canadian dollar and two-dollar coins need to go on a diet. New coins, with a new metal composition, will be released with the next mintage. Canadians, however, don’t have the heaviest pockets in the world—that honour goes to Brits, whose pound coins weigh two grams more than the loonie. Here, a quick survey of major currencies and how they measure up our golden birds.
500 yen Country: Japan Weight: 7 grams Fun Fact: One of the most valuable and most counterfeited coins in the world. Until 2000, a Korean 500 won (worth one-tenth as much) would work in Japanese vending machines.
Loonie Country: Canada Weight: 7 grams, but on a weight-loss program Fun Fact: While the dollar’s exchange rate value has swung wildly in recent years, when measured by the “cans of pop it can buy” index, it has been remarkably stable.
Euro Country: 22 in Europe, with more on the way Weight: 7.5 grams Fun Fact: The euro is called the most commonly shared currency in Europe since the fall of the Roman Empire, which totally doesn’t sound ominous.
Sacagawea dollar Country: United States Weight: 8.1 grams Fun Fact: America has a dollar coin.
Australian dollar Country: Australia Weight: 9 grams Fun Fact: Australian law requires items of national significance be used on the money; hence, the kangaroos. We think Paul Hogan’s on the other side.
Pound sterling Country: United Kingdom Weight: 9.5 grams Fun fact: British coins get redesigned every 40 years to keep them fresh.
