Winnipeg, Manitoba - Royal Canadian Mint

This is a really nice courtyard, with fountains and gardens off to the right.


Yeah, I know. But it had to be done.


This bar of 99.99% pure gold is worth about $300,000 and weighs over 27 pounds. A very polite and friendly armed guard keeps an eye on you while you hold it, in case you get any bright ideas.

(Photo credit http://www.flickr.com/photos/jordoncooper/13476609/)

Yes, it feels completely bizarre to be holding a large slab of gold in your hands.


There is a warning plaque below the display, since it's a lot heavier than it looks and they don't want anyone throwing their back out.


Not heavy enough for you? How about a 100 kg (220.5 pound) gold coin? 99.999% pure, $1 million denomination. We unfortunately weren't going to be in town to see this in person, but you can see a full documentary of the making of this coin in the lobby at the Mint.


Incidentally, I learned that the process of making coins is way more complicated than I'd have imagined. No photography is allowed during your tour through various production areas of the facility, so you'll just have to trust me on this. :)

I also learned that not only does the U.S. Constitution prohibit any foreign agency from making U.S. currency, it likewise prohibits U.S. mints from making any foreign currency. Canadian law has no such restrictions, and to date, the Royal Canadian Mint has made currency for about 80 other countries.