For decades, Canadian Tire money has been a staple in Canadian retail culture. Many Canadians have collected these small paper bills, often tucking them away in drawers or wallets, unaware of their potential worth. Originally intended as a simple loyalty reward, some of these bills are now being sold for surprising amounts, sometimes reaching hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If you have an old stash of Canadian Tire money, it could be time to dig it out and see if any of your bills hold hidden value.
What is Canadian Tire Money?
Canadian Tire Money (CTM) has been part of Canada’s shopping experience since the 1950s, serving as a reward for customers who shopped at Canadian Tire stores. Shoppers would receive paper bills based on their purchases, which they could then use as store credit for future transactions. These bills were designed to resemble colorful, Monopoly-style currency, with denominations ranging from 5 cents to $1.
- Denominations: 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents, and $1
- Program start: 1950s
- Purpose: In-store loyalty reward
Though many people used their Canadian Tire money for everyday purchases, others saved up large amounts over the years. With enough, shoppers could buy more expensive items like lawnmowers, winter tires, or even larger equipment such as an $800 chipper shredder. Now, some of these old bills may hold value far beyond what anyone initially expected.
Which Canadian Tire Bills Are Worth the Most?
The value of Canadian Tire money is largely determined by its age, rarity, and condition. Bills from the 1950s and 1960s are especially rare, making them highly sought after by collectors. In addition, bills that have printing errors or are marked as replacement bills (to replace damaged notes) can fetch higher prices. Collectors also look for specific design variations, particularly those featuring the brand’s mascot, Sandy McTire, from before 1961.
- Early Bills: Those from the 1950s and 1960s are rare and highly collectible.
- Replacement/Faulty Bills: Misprints or replacement bills often fetch higher prices.
- Design Variations: Sandy McTire design variations, particularly pre-1961, can significantly increase a bill’s value.
High-Value Canadian Tire Bills: Examples
Some specific Canadian Tire bills are currently being sold for impressive amounts. Here are a few examples of notable sales:
- A 1985 10-cent bill sold for $4,000
- A 1987 25-cent bill was listed at $3,500
- Two 25-cent bills from the Canadian Tire 75th Anniversary collection sold for $3,000
- A $2 Canadian Tire bill from 1989 fetched $3,000 in 2017
- A 50-cent bill from 1958 was valued at $1,500
Special Edition Canadian Tire Bills to Watch
Special edition bills are also highly collectible. For example, the 100th Anniversary notes released in 2022 are valued at $100 in-store, but their rarity makes them much more desirable to collectors. Similarly, the 2010 Winter Olympics edition is especially valuable, particularly when the bills remain uncirculated. Full sets of these special edition notes have previously sold for hundreds of dollars.
The Canadian Tire Coupon Collector’s Club
For those serious about collecting Canadian Tire money, the Canadian Tire Coupon Collector’s Club, established in 1990, is a key hub for cataloging, preserving, and trading these bills. The club hosts live auctions, regular meetings, and provides a community for enthusiasts to exchange notes and share insights.
The club also maintains an extensive list of every Canadian Tire bill ever issued, along with market updates and quarterly newsletters. Members often use the club’s Facebook page to seek advice on the value of their bills, understanding that while not every bill is highly valuable, many are of historical or personal significance to collectors.
2024 Canadian Tire Money: Digital Transition
In 2014, Canadian Tire shifted its loyalty program to a digital format with the Triangle Rewards program. While the traditional paper bills are no longer as commonly issued, they can still be converted into digital points at any Canadian Tire store. However, before converting your old Canadian Tire money, it’s worth checking to see if the bills have collectible value. Some of them may be worth much more to collectors than their face value in-store.
In conclusion, Canadian Tire money, once considered a simple shopping reward, has turned into a collectible asset. If you have a collection of old bills tucked away, now could be the perfect time to explore their worth. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious shopper, Canadian Tire money may offer a surprising way to earn extra income or connect with Canadian retail history.
