This April, the popular online Canadian Paper Money Forum, cdnpapermoney.com, ceased operations.
“After over 20 years, its owner has finally decided to shut down the website rather than allow it to fall further into neglect. Attempts to find other interested parties to take over the website have been unsuccessful,” reads a message published by the website’s previous administrators this spring. “Since the late 1990s when the Internet was still in its infancy, the Canadian Paper Money website offered information about Canadian currency as well as a discussion forum where members exchanged ideas, engaged in hearty discussions and even traded banknotes.”
Website founder Paul Wallis died in 2010, after which time Brent Mackie assumed control. Mackie is a life member of the Canadian Paper Money Society, Royal Canadian Numismatic Association, Ontario Numismatic Association, International Bank Note Society and American Numismatic Association.
This July, it was announced the forum is “under new administration and will be resuming operations. It is our intention to continue building upon the work of Paul Wallis and Brent W. J. Mackie and to conserve and acknowledge the contributions of all the members of the community over the years. Our goal is to continue promoting the hobby and provide a friendly place for collectors to educate themselves, meet others who share their passion and be able to share their knowledge for the bennefit (sic) of all.”
According to the update, the forum’s software is being upgraded as part of an “extensive code review.” Of note is the forum’s popular serial number database, which will be “fully integrated into the new site in due course.”
It’s unknown who has assumed control of the forum.