They can also send bank notes directly to the Bank of Canada. The other option Perrotte considered was to exchange the coins at a Coinstar machine, which are at some grocery stores and malls, but the machines charge about 12 per cent in fees for the service. CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices. Across Canada a beloved and familiar face is silently disappearing. Thanks! In many ways, I was still very frugal. The measures banks and stores are taking will likely help speed things along, and Shankar projects that the shortage would end in six to 18 months, depending on how well the country handles the upcoming months of the pandemic. And you still can’t legally melt them down and sell them as scrap metal. Many rely instead on services such as money orders, pawn shop loans, or payday loans. No one appears to expect that this coin shortage will last beyond the pandemic in any significant way. Take it to the bank. They can also send bank notes directly to the Bank of Canada. Because of inflation, the penny costs around two cents to make. However, they should be able to take your coins if you sort them yourself. Flaherty said he hoped Canadians would donate their penny collections to charity. And my bank doesn't want my money!" It worked well, he said.