Canadian Tire Money (CTM) has been a staple in Canadian retail for decades. First introduced in the 1950s as a loyalty program, these colorful paper bills were issued to customers as rewards for their purchases. Over time, many Canadians accumulated stacks of Canadian Tire money, often forgetting about it in drawers or wallets. However, these seemingly insignificant bills could now be worth much more than their original face value.
If you’ve kept your old Canadian Tire bills, it might be time to check them for potential hidden value.
Table of Contents
- What is Canadian Tire Money?
- Which Canadian Tire Bills Are Most Valuable?
- Examples of High-Value Canadian Tire Bills
- Special Edition Notes to Look Out For
- Collectors and the Canadian Tire Coupon Collector’s Club
- 2024 Canadian Tire Money
What is Canadian Tire Money?
Canadian Tire Money was introduced in the 1950s as a way to encourage repeat business at Canadian Tire stores. Customers would receive these small paper bills in denominations such as 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents, and $1 for their purchases. These bills could be used as in-store currency for future transactions. Over time, many customers accumulated significant amounts, which could be used to buy everything from everyday items to large equipment like lawnmowers and even chipper shredders.
While most people used the money for practical purposes, some of the older bills have become valuable collectibles.
Which Canadian Tire Bills Are Most Valuable?
The value of Canadian Tire money largely depends on the bill’s age, rarity, and condition. Generally, older bills from the 1950s and 1960s are the most sought after by collectors. Misprinted bills and replacement bills issued to replace damaged notes also tend to fetch higher prices. Additionally, variations in the design of the company’s mascot, Sandy McTire, especially those from pre-1961, can significantly increase the bill’s value.
Key Collectible Canadian Tire Bills:
- Early Bills: Particularly from the 1950s and 1960s, these are rare and valuable.
- Replacement or Faulty Bills: Misprints or replacement notes are highly coveted by collectors.
- Design Variations: Early bills featuring Sandy McTire in different designs are in demand.
Examples of High-Value Canadian Tire Bills
Some Canadian Tire bills have been sold for impressive sums. For example:
- 1985 10-cent Bill: Priced at $4,000
- 1987 25-cent Bill: Listed for $3,500
- Two 75th Anniversary 25-cent Bills: Sold for a combined $3,000
- 1989 $2 Bill: Sold for $3,000
- 1958 50-cent Bill: Valued at $1,500
These examples demonstrate how rare and special Canadian Tire bills can command high prices among collectors.
Special Edition Notes to Look Out For
Limited-edition Canadian Tire bills often attract the most attention from collectors. Notable editions include:
- 100th Anniversary Notes (2022): These bills are valued at $100 in-store but are rare, making them highly collectible.
- 2010 Winter Olympics Edition: Especially valuable if they remain uncirculated. Full sets have sold for hundreds of dollars.
Collectors and the Canadian Tire Coupon Collector’s Club
The Canadian Tire Coupon Collector’s Club, established in 1990, is a community where collectors can exchange, buy, and sell Canadian Tire money. The club has cataloged every bill issued and provides resources for collectors to assess the value of their notes. It also hosts live auctions and regular meetings where enthusiasts can trade and learn more about Canadian Tire money.
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2024 Canadian Tire Money
While Canadian Tire’s loyalty program has gone digital since 2014, with the transition to the Triangle Rewards program, the old paper bills are still valuable. Customers can exchange their physical Canadian Tire money for digital currency in-store, but collectors may find that their old bills are worth more than their face value. If you have some old Canadian Tire money, it’s worth checking if it could be a rare collector’s item before exchanging it.