The Canada Currency Act lays out all the rules and regulations regarding coin handling across the country.
This includes the legal handling of currency and things related to damage or defacing.
So is it legal in Alberta to melt coins?
Can you legally melt coins in Canada?
According to the Canada Currency Act, 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.
So, no, it is not legal to melt Canadian coins in Canada, unless you have special permissions.
What is the punishment for melting coins in Canada?
The potential consequences for melting Canadian coins are a fine not exceeding $250, or a prison term not exceeding 12 months, or a combination of both.
Source: Read the Canada Currency Act
In Summary
- It is illegal to melt Canadian coins in Canada
- There are special permissions you can acquire from the federal government
- The punishment for melting coins in Canada is a fine, imprisonment, or both.
