The Bank of Canada promotes its new plastic currency as being durable, secure and innovative -- but just how durable are they? CTV News in Winnipeg claims the currency -- specifically the new $100 bills -- are not as durable as old-fashioned paper money. The report cites Charles Shepard of Brandon, Manitoba, who noticed that when the bills are folded, they can develop cracks that can turn into rips.
Shepard ... put a full can of Coke on top of a new $100 bill. When he pulled on it, he said the plastic bill ripped in half. "It's similar to thin tin foil or plastic food wrap. "You pull on it but as soon as it's got a mark or tear on it, it just peels apart," he said.I'd like to think a $100 note can stand up to a can of Coke. And the next time I find myself with a wallet full of hundreds, you can be sure I'll give it a try.