Bank Note Series
Read up on each series, from the current polymer notes, to the Canadian Journey and Birds of Canada series that came before, or way back to past series notes from the 1930s through to the 1970s.
The polymer bank notes (issued 2011–13) are highly secure, durable, innovative, and the designs celebrate Canada’s achievements at home, around the world, and in space.
This series (issued 2001-06) incorporated security features never before seen in Canadian bank notes, and the designs celebrated our culture, history and accomplishments.
The 1986 series featured different Birds of Canada on the back of each denomination. This series was designed with security features to counter the colour photocopiers of that era.
A brief historical overview of the first four series of notes issued by the Bank of Canada and the two commemorative notes issued in 1935 and 1967.
Since issuing its first series of bank notes in 1935, the Bank of Canada has issued four commemorative bank notes. Each commemorative note marks an important milestone for the reigning monarch or a defining moment in Canadian history.
Discover more about past bank note series, browse the collection, and check out our travelling exhibitions.
The Bank of Canada only issues bank notes. If you have questions about Canada’s coins, visit the Royal Canadian Mint.