Canadian Dollar And American Greenback

What would you rather carry?

Canada's gold-coloured $1 coin, nicknamed the loonie for the waterfowl emblazoned on one side, was first minted 25 years ago.

The shiny new 11-sided-edge coin, was introduced on June 30, 1987 as a cost-saving measure and quickly had a fan following.

It was a hit with tourists and vending-machine operators, who predicted higher profits with more people carrying coins instead of paper. It was decidedly less popular, however, with some business operators who complained about the heavier haul to the bank.

Collectors admired its design by Ontario wildlife artist Robert-Ralph Carmichael, whose initials appear near the bird's beak.

Before the introduction of the loonie, Canadians used green and white paper one-dollar bills. The bills wore out quickly: most only lasted between nine and 12 months. 

By switching from a bill to a coin that would last much longer, the government calculated it could save taxpayers $175 million to $250 million over 20 years.

The last Canadian $1 bills rolled off the presses in 1989 to make room for the loonie, a move that left many Canadians no choice but to embrace the coin. A bimetallic $2 coin — nicknamed the toonie — followed in 1996.

My Choice - The Greenback - It is recognized all over the World - Even

illiterates know it.