I have four Jamaica Ten Dollar Coins [1978, 1979, 1980, 1981], Proof Quality, issued by The Franklin Mint. I am not a collector nor do I know a lot about foreign currency. I would like to know if these coins are considered legal tender? Could I take them to Jamaica and spend them? I recently tried to used Canadian proof sets in Montreal but was told it was not the currency in use today. Don't want to make the same mistake twice. Thanks.
Dunno about legal tender, but I'm sure someone here would probably give you face on the proofs or these Jamaican coins.
not currency in use? makes no sense... what dates were they Only thing I know that no one not even the banks will take, is the 76 olympic coins
Actually the Canadian coins were circulated dollars (my mistake on my original post, sorry) and I don't know the years. But my son tried to exchange them at the hotel but was directed to the post who tried to steer him to a coin dealer. Both the hotel and the post told him that currency (coinage) was no longer being used and would be unable to exchange it for paper. As to why would I spend proof sets from Canadian Mint or British Royal, I'm not having a lot of luck finding buyers.
The coins you speak of are legal tender however no one is obligated to take them. Some proof coins or Non-ciculating legal tender (NCLT) coins are made in odd shapes and denominations so it is difficult for stores and Banks to deal with, usually because of very few people want to take them. The Canadian dollars you speak of are probably the old Voyageur dollars. They are still legal tender, however nobody wants them because they are bigger then the loon dollar currently in circulation. Your best bet would be to try a bank for the dollars (however still not a gurantee), or a coin dealer. If all else fails ebay.
Thanks so much for the explanation. While my son was at the post, someone approached him and, while one spoke only French and one spoke none, they managed to strike a deal. So all ended well for him. Thanks to all who responded.
