This Day in Canadian History: January 2 – The Day Canada Finally Made Its Own Change
The Story: January 2, 1908
For the first 40 years of our nation’s life, Canada was a country without a coin factory.
It seems strange to think about now, but every nickel, dime, and quarter in a Canadian’s pocket had to be minted in London, England, and shipped across the dangerous Atlantic Ocean. We were a sovereign nation paying with imported cash.
That changed on this cold Friday in 1908.
On Sussex Drive in Ottawa, the heavy doors of a fortress-like building swung open for business: The Ottawa branch of the Royal Mint (now the Royal Canadian Mint).
It wasn’t just a government formality. It was a moment of independence. The history books record that Governor General Earl Grey was there to officiate, but the real honour went to his wife, Countess Alice Grey.
She stepped up to the massive press and struck the very first coin ever produced on Canadian soil—a silver fifty-cent piece. Within minutes, the machinery roared to life, and Canada began making its own change.
Also On This Day…
While 1908 gave us our coins, January 2, 1988, gave us one of the biggest arguments in Canadian history.
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The Free Trade Agreement: Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and U.S. President Ronald Reagan officially signed the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement.
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Do you remember the election of ’88? It was arguably the most divisive campaign of our lifetime. Families argued over turkey dinner about sovereignty, jobs, and the American influence. On this day, the ink finally dried on the deal that changed our economy forever.
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1918 – The End of a Hockey Era: The Montreal Wanderers played their final NHL game.
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Just days after their home arena burned to the ground, the “Little Men of Iron” lost to the Toronto Arenas. Without a rink and suffering from player shortages, the team disbanded shortly after—leaving hockey fans to wonder “what if.”
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Snapshot: The Cost of Living in 1908
When Countess Grey struck that first coin, life looked very different:
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A loaf of bread: 5 cents
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A dozen eggs: 30 cents
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Average daily wage for a labourer: $1.50 to $2.00
That single 50-cent piece the Countess made represented a quarter of a day’s hard labour for the average Canadian worker!
Your Turn to Reminisce
We all know where we stand on the Free Trade debate, but let’s talk about the money in your pocket.
Do you check your change? We love hearing from you. Reply in the comments below: What is the oldest date you have ever found on a penny, nickel, or dime? Do you still have it?
Warmly
Bill and Marilyn
Founders of Canadian Senior Moment
