Different Kinds of Canadian Paper Money

Canada has a rich history as reflected in their coins and paper money. Knowing the difference between the two allows you to get a glimpse of Canadian history and culture.

Brief History of Canadian Money

The Canadian Dollar is one of the world’s oldest independent currencies. Introduced in 1853 to the North American colonies, this currency is still the basic unit of Canadian cash. Pegged to the British Pound Sterling originally and later to the Gold Standard, the Canadian Dollar is a “free floating currency” since 1929. The international marketplace and the different policies of the Bank of Canada determine its value.

Canadian Bills

Coins haven’t changed much over the decades, in some cases, close to a century. However, Canadian paper money has seen quite a few changes over the years. Here are some of their examples now.

One Dollar

The Loonie is Canada’s one dollar coin. There used to be a dollar bill but the mint phased it out in the 80s. The coin got its name because it displays a picture of a loon, which is the national bird of the country, on one side.

Five Dollars

The country’s smallest bill is blue and depicts a portrait of Canada’s prime minister Wilfrid Laurier (1841-1919). He is the first French-Canadian leader of the country. On the reverse side of this bill is a salute to Canadian winter sports.

Ten Dollars

This purple bill depicts a portrait of Sir John A. MacDonald (1815-1891), the country’s founder and first ever prime minister. Behind the picture is a salute to peacekeeping and the country’s armed forces.

Twenty Dollars

This paper money has an aged, green picture of Queen Elizabeth II (b. 1926), the country’s head of state. She was also on Canada’s $1 and $2 bills when they still existed. Behind the portrait is a montage of renowned aboriginal artwork by Indian sculptor Bill Reid (1920-1998).

Fifty Dollars

The red $50 bill features William Lyon Mackenzie King (1874-1950). He is an eccentric leader who led the country through World War II and most of the early parts of the 20th century. The opposite side of this bill displays Canada’s suffragette movement.

One Hundred Dollars

This note features Sir Robert Borden (1854-1937); he was the prime minister during World War I (1914-1918). The back commemorates Canadian cartography and exploration.

These bills are part of the Journey series produced by the mint it replaced the Bird series used in the early 90s. Canada used different series of bills throughout the decades to prevent counterfeiting, regulate and supply the country with money.

Work with Colonial Acres to learn more about collecting Canadian paper money and coins, with value information as well as rarity available.