The Royal Canadian Mint stopped producing and distributing pennies in Canada as of February 4, 2013 due to rising costs relative to face value and the significant handling costs of the penny for retailers, financial institutions and the economy in general.

When did Canada stop using coins?

In May 2012 Canada duly stopped minting one-cent coins, which have been in circulation since 1858, when Canada established its own currency. On February 4th the Royal Canadian Mint stopped distributing them, spelling the end for its least valuable coin. Why has Canada killed off the penny?

What happened to Canada's pennies?

The object of destruction: the Canadian penny. The beloved coin, adorned with Queen Elizabeth and the iconic Canadian maple leaf, is being eased out of circulation. ... The Department of Finance killed the coin in the 2012 Budget because they had lost their value, minting the last penny in Winnipeg on May 4, 2012.