PICTOU, N.S. - A Nova Scotia folk musician says he's being nickel-and-dimed by the Royal Canadian Mint over his tribute to the dying penny.
Dave Gunning says he's been informed by the agency that his soon-to-be released album infringes copyright because its artwork includes images of the ubiquitous one-cent piece.
Gunning says his album, titled "No More Pennies," is meant as an homage to the humble coin, which the mint plans to stop producing this fall though it remains legal tender.
He says the mint has agreed to waive licensing and administration fees for the first 2,000 albums produced, but his next batch of CDs will cost him $1,200 — or 60 pennies a pop.
Gunning is launching a drive and urging fans to donate their spare pennies, which he says will be delivered to the mint.
The Royal Canadian Mint could not immediately be reached for comment.
