Keep Your Eye Out for Canada’s New Glow-in-the-Dark Toonie
The special-edition release is the first photoluminescent coin to ever enter circulation.
Canada turns 150 years old this year, and while some residents are celebrating by planting (and eating) tulip gardens, the country’s mint has settled on something different: they’ve released the world’s first glow-in-the-dark circulating coin.
Canada releasing all new Glow in the Dark “Toonie” to celebrate Canada 150: https://t.co/V9o9LSWJpk ^NS
— Nim Singh (@canadanim) June 13, 2017
The two-dollar coin, or “toonie,” depicts two people paddling a canoe, surrounded by tall pines with the northern lights above. As the Daily Hive reports, it was designed by Timothy Hsia of Richmond, British Columbia, as part of a national contest.
While most of the coin sports your average currency colors, on one side, the northern lights appear in blue and green. When the coin is in a dark environment—say, a bar or a pocket—the green parts emit a soft glow.
There are plenty of novelty coins out there—and Canada has tried this particular trick before—but most never enter circulation, and have to be purchased purposefully as keepsakes. Although you can buy the glowing toonie as part of the “2017 Canada 150 5-coin collection,” you can also just wait around for one to turn up in your palm, or your tip jar.
Just don’t leave it out on your nightstand! It might keep you awake.
Every day, we track down a fleeting wonder—something amazing that’s only happening right now. Have a tip for us? Tell us about it! Send your temporary miracles to cara@atlasobscura.com.
Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders.
Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders.
Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook