1954

Series & Denominations:

The 1954 series lasted 15 years when in 1969 the Multicolour Twenty Dollar banknote replaced the $20.  A new Ten Dollar banknote retired the 1954 denomination in 1971 while the Five, Two and One denominations continued until 1972,1974 and 1973 respectively. The Fifty & One Hundred denominations were not replaced until 1975 (21 years later) and the One Thousand was never replaced by the Multicoloured Series. This means that many of the high denominations were kept in pristine condition (in Safety Deposit Boxes) & yet BV remains unrealistically high for each.  Scroll to the bottom for the 1967 Centennial Issue.

The 1954 series started with the original Karsh portrait engraving of Queen Elizabeth II.  For some there appeared to be a devilish image in the queen's hair.  Public outcry forced the BOC (& its printers) to modify the engravings so the offending shadows would be eliminated in 1956.  This series introduced *Asterisk Replacement notes which were intended to replace damaged sheets in production.  All Replacement notes from the Devil's Face series were very short lived (with only a fraction actually released) & thus command high BV (Book Value). 

Devil's Face:

From a global perspective, the "Devil's Face" (DF for short) has a notorious devilish gargoyle feature embedded in the queen's hair doo. Although they had full 10,000,000 prefix runs, World currency demand becomes a factor.  Even though each prefix had full runs, BV remains brisk proving that popularity trumps scarcity when it comes to some series!  The majority of the Modified change-overs had far fewer notes printed but are quite cheap compared to full run Devil's Face notes.  But each signature combo (whether Coyne-Towers or Beattie-Coyne) lasted only one year!

ONE 1 UN DOLLAR:

BC-29a/P-66a Seven fractional prefixes running from A/A to G/A were released with the Coyne-Towers signature combination for a total of 70,000,000 notes.  However, only 7.2M of the H/A prefix had the above signature combo before changing to the Beattie-Coyne variety & commands a slight premium over the other 7 prefixes. Approximate 0.014M Asterisk * Replacements were printed (but it is unlikely that all were released) and demand typically outpaces the already high BV. Replacements can run thousands of dollars in UNC grades.

BC-29b/P-66b Ten full prefixes (I/A to S/A) were printed for a total of 100M banknotes with the Beattie-Coyne signature combination. Only 2.8M H/A Beattie-Coyne change-overs were produced making it the most popular change-over for the ONES. Nearly 3.9M T/A short (last) prefixes were issued. Again only 14,400 *A/A $1 Replacement notes were printed but the number issued (released) may be even less.  As such, replacements in any grade are very dear and tough to come by.

TWO 2 DEUX DOLLARS:

BC-30a/P-67a Three prefixes (A/B to C/B) or 30M banknotes were produced for the Coyne-Towers signature combination. While the D/B had a run of 7.2M it, like the H/A $1.00, has been pretty easy to obtain and premiums run only slightly higher than a regular prefixes.  For the *A/B $2 an estimated 4,800 were printed so BV remains steep.

BC-30b/P-67b Four full prefixes (E/B to H/B) or 40M of the Beattie-Coyne banknotes were produced with the D/B change-over having a lower run of 2.8M.  The I/B prefix (with 0.8M) is actually a change-over with the Modified version but the DF is vastly more attainable (while the Modified version is indeed scarce).  The *A/B replacement had an estimated 7,200 issued.  

FIVE 5 CINQ DOLLARS:

BC-31a/P-68a The numbers of full prefixes drop for the $5 Coyne-Towers (A/C to B/C) making it quite a bit tougher to obtain than the $1 and $2 with the same signature.  The C/C change-over had 7.6M produced making it pretty easy to obtain.  The *A/C replacement had a paltry 2,400 produced & is the rarest/very expensive.

BC-31b/P-68b The Beattie-Coyne signature combination had five full prefixes issued (D/C to H/C) with the C/C (2.4M) a tough change-over and the last I/C prefix (9M) pretty easy to obtain.   The Beattie-Coyne Replacement *A/C had a run of 7,200 but is still tough to find.

TEN 10 DIX DOLLARS:

BC-32a/P-69a Both the Coyne-Towers & the Beattie-Coyne signatures had 4 full prefixes (40M & then some change-overs) printed. For Coyne-Towers it is A/D-D/D with E/D having a 7.2M run (just like the One/Two  denominations). The *A/D Replacement had only 4,800 produced making it quite scarce.

BC-32b/P-69b The E/D change-over (2.8M) can be tough with the Beattie-Coyne signature. The last prefix (J/D with 7.8M) seems much easier to obtain. The Beattie-Coyne *A/D Replacement had a similar 4,800 minor run making it very scarce.

TWENTY 20 VINGT DOLLARS:

BC-33a/P-70a Only one full initial prefix A/E was produced with the Coyne-Towers signature. B/E became a change-over (7.2M) and only 7,200 *A/E Replacements were printed for the first signature combination.

BC-33a/P-70b Two full prefixes (C/E & D/E) were produced making the Beattie-Coyne much easier to obtain and many more saved.  The B/E (2.8M) is a tough change-over as is the E/E (about 2.6M) for last prefix. An estimated 4,800 of the Beattie-Coyne *A/E Replacements were produced.

FIFTY 50 CINQUANTE DOLLARS:

BC-34a/P-71a The higher denominations are quite tough to find for the Devil's Face since full 10M runs were not produced.  Only 1.44M Coyne-Towers A/H prefixes were issued. No Replacements were produced for these higher denominations in either signature combination.

BC-34b/P-71b The Beattie-Coyne $50, while technically the last prefix, had only around 1M produced and the modification was not advertised so would have easily caught coin collectors (of that era) by surprise.  It is one tough note to obtain and commands a slightly higher BV.

ONE HUNDRED 100 CENT DOLLARS:

BC-35a/P-72a The Coyne-Towers $100 had an estimated 1.7M produced with the A/J prefix.

BC-35b/P-72b The Beattie-Coyne $100 had an estimated 0.7M produced with the A/J prefix.

ONE THOUSAND 1000 MILLE DOLLARS:

BC-36/P-73 The Coyne-Towers $1000 had about 0.03M produced with the A/K prefix. It remains highly sought after by collectors of World currency which makes its BV the highest amongst regular issues, rivalling the much scarcer Asterisk Replacements of this series. Once again, I recall seeing Devil's Face $1000 banknotes far more often as a youth than its low denomination counterparts since they were often hoarded in SDB (like the $50 & $100) whereas the Fives, Tens and Twenties disappeared fast & were only sold through local Coin shops.  Remember, according to the Charlton Guide, that the Devil's Face modification took place in 1956 for the $1.00 to $100.00 notes. The $1000 modification came "several years" later.

See some of the examples below:

Modified 1954 series 

1956:

After some controversy over the apparent gargoyle-like shades in the original 1954 engraving, the BOC printers modified the plates to eliminate the offending shadows.  Over the years, there have been up to four signature combinations and several prefix/signature change-overs.  There are far too many to list on this page so if you're interested in specific change-overs, short prefixes or Asterisk Replacements, I highly recommend you check out Charlton. The following will only outline some of the more notable collectible prefixes & production idiosyncrasies. 

Series & Denominations:

ONE 1 UN DOLLAR:

BC-37a/P-74/P-75a One of the most perplexing arrangements for both catalogues is the division between the CBN (Canadian Bank Note) produced banknotes & the BABN (British American Bank Note) full runs & the disparity between the 2 sets of prefix BV's.  While it is true that CBN produced 360M (U/A-Z/A; AL-ZL & A/N to E/N) & BABN only produced 70M (A/M-G/M) I know no collector who prefers BABN Beattie-Coyne common prefixes over CBN prefixes (nor willing to pay the huge premium). The T/A prefix is a very uncommon Modified Design change-over with approximately 6M printed. The F/N & H/M prefixes are the other change-overs with approximately 6M & 3M printed (respectively). *A/A (.06M) is the only Modified replacement with the Beattie-Coyne signature.

BC-37b/P-74b/P-75b  The Beattie-Rasminsky signature combination is the longest running signature combination of the entire series. The F/N (4M) & H/M (3M) are early change-overs but one shouldn't discount the S/O (2M) and the H/F (2.7M) either. The most notable anomaly for this version of the Modified series is that for a finite quantity of W/N, T/M, U/M & *B/M prefixes were printed WITHOUT Front Position Number (for FPN see Position Numbers).  This was only discovered recently so data on the number of prefixes without FPN remains sketchy. Of the replacements only *A/M (0.008M) has scarce numbers but it is believed that small runs were saved to keep BV relatively flat. Ten times more common are *D/O, *I/O & *N/Y (0.08M) but their BV are very similar (or better) than the *A/M. The *O/Y (0.2M) has gained traction in the past few years too.

BC-37c/P-75c The Bouey-Rasminsky signature combination had 12 full-run prefixes (I/F to U/F) and was the 2nd shortest run of the four variations but garners little collector respect.  Look out for the H/F prefix change-over (2.7M) and the *H/F replacement (0.08M).  The exceptionally scarce *V/V (400 estimated) are seldom seen and typically only auctioned in nationwide celebrated auction events. These are indeed considered "Trophy Notes."

BC-37d/P-75d The Lawson-Bouey signature combination had only 8 full-run prefixes (W/F to Z/F & A/I to D/I) was the least produced of the series, yet being the last variation was saved in bulk. It has only one *X/F Replacement (0.24M) but the *C/I (80 estimated) was later discovered and created quite a buzz amongst collectors as well as sky high auction results (another Trophy replacement note).

TWO 2 DEUX DOLLARS:

BC-38a/P-76a The design change-over with the prefix I/B is seldom seen despite 1.4M produced. Beattie-Coyne full runs J/B to Z/B have 16 prefixes (160M) but command healthy BV which is likely due to World collector demand.  The A/R change-over (nearly 6M) is only marginally sought after more by CDN collectors than world hobbyists. The *A/B (0.024M) however, remains highly sought after and continues to command brisk FMV.

BC-38b/P-76b The Beattie-Rasminsky signature combination comprises the longest run with 50 prefixes (500 million notes).  It also happens to have a number * Asterisk Replacements & undetectable TEST Note runs.  Even "non-test" of the E/R, G/R & N/R prefixes (outside confirmed serial # ranges) are sought since information on these special prefixes wasn't released until recently.  Consult your Charlton Guide to Canadian Government Paper Money if you wish to acquire a Test Note since only the S/R prefix was used exclusively for Test Note purposes.  The most notable Asterisk Replacement happens to be the *R/R with only 0.08M printed.  It, and other prefix replacements, are popular.

BC-38c/P-76c The Bouey-Rasminsky had only 10 prefixes of full runs (B/G to K/G) and the A/G (4.8M) and L/G (7.9M) the only change-overs. However, like the Beattie-Rasminsky version above it too had S/R Test notes (estimated 0.36M).  The Bouey/Rasminsky *Z/Z replacement (480 estimated) also happens to be an extremely scarce replacement to find in any condition (like the *V/V). 

BC-38d/P-76d The Lawson-Bouey signature combination was the 4th and last signature combination which saw only 8 full-run prefixes (M/G to U/G), two Replacements (*K/G & *O/G) and the last of the S/R Test Note (estimated to be 0.24M). The L/G was a 2M change-over while the V/G was the last prefix (8.5M) but many were kept in fairly high grade.  

FIVE 5 CINQ DOLLARS:

BC-39a/P-77a/P-78 Only recently has Charlton followed the SCWPM to separate the two printers BABN from CBN.  In this case, BABN issued 7 prefixes ( J/C to P/C) and CBN issued 6 full runs (S/C to X/C) yet once again BABN notes have greater BV.  Beattie-Coyne I/C are another design change-over and less than 1M (0.976M) were printed.  They are indeed scarce but not as rare as the R/C prefix with a paltry 88,000 printed. Beattie Coyne *A/C has only 16,000 and a better BV than the CBN *R/C with 8,000.  The CBN took over the Five denomination and produced nearly a full run (9.9M) of regular R/C prefixes & this may be why the catalogues give them separate codes/listing charts.  

BC-39b/P-77b Once again the Beattie-Rasminsky signature combination is the longest running signature combination for the Five Dollar printed exclusively by the CBN.  Forty-one full prefixes were issued (A/S-Z/S and A/X to P/X) for a whopping 410M notes. Keep an eye open for the *L/S (0.03M), *N/S (0.04), *W/S (0.08) replacements.  The 'X' denominator replacements with *I/X (0.10M) and *N/X (0.16M) replacements are tough & generate keen collector interest. Y/C (1.7M) is the primary change-over which several collectors wish to obtain.

BC-39c/P-77c The Bouey-Rasminsky had S/X to U/X prefixes for 30M produced but being the last prefix are fairly easy to obtain (with a lower BV than BC-39b). Regular R/X prefix is short (2.9M) and *R/X replacement (with two separate serial # ranges) are highly sought from this series.

TEN 10 DIX DOLLARS:

BC-40a/P-79a Nineteen (K/D-Z/D; A/T-D/T) for 190M regular full runs were produced with the Beattie-Coyne signature combination. The J/D first prefix happens also to be a design change-over (2.2M) thus very collectible. The E/T (4.6M) also happens to be a change-over prefix while the *A/D (less than 0.028M) also happens to a very collectible replacement. 

BC-40b/P-79b The Beattie-Rasminsky signature combination is again the longest running signature seen on the Modified $10 with 38 full 10M prefix runs (F/T-Z/T & A/V-S/V). The T/V prefix was a short (1.7M) as it was the last prefix but the *A/D (0.16M) also commands quite a bit of collector interest. The last two replacements *B/V and *U/T (0.08M for both) command the most attention amongst the Modified $10 replacements.  

TWENTY 20 VINGT DOLLARS:

BC-41a/P-80a The Beattie Coyne signature combination has seven full-run prefixes (F/E - L/E). E/E (7.4M) is the first Modified prefix and an easy to obtain design change-over. Less common is the M/E with only 2.4M printed. The *A/E (0.016M) can be a tough replacement to acquire so very popular amongst specialists.

BC-41b/P-80b The Beattie-Rasminsky signature combination is the longest running with a full 18 prefixes produced (N/E-Z/E & A/W - F/W). Like the $10, the later asterisk *A/E (0.1M) and *V/E (0.08M) seem particularly scarce commanding healthy BV prices.

FIFTY 50 CINQUANTE DOLLARS:

BC-42a/P-81a The Beattie Coyne signature combination had 7M of the A/H prefix issued. No change-overs were produced.  No replacements were produced for the $50.

BC-42b/P-81b Charlton lists a Beattie-Rasminsky signature combination with the A/H prefix but I (nor many veteran collectors I know) have ever seen one.  Its existence is dubious. You are more likely to find the B/H prefix (with approximately 8M produced).  

BC-42c/P-81c The Lawson-Bouey signature combination saw nearly 2M B/H notes produced.

ONE HUNDRED 100 CENT DOLLARS:

BC-43a/P-82a  The Beattie Coyne signature combination with the A/J (6M) prefix had the second largest run after the Beattie-Rasminsky B/J prefix.  

BC-43b/P-82b The Beattie-Rasminsky signature combination had two prefixes. A/J (1.6M) is dwarfed by the longer B/J (8M) prefix

BC-43c/P-82c The Lawson-Bouey signature combination saw nearly 2M B/J notes produced. It then produced the C/J prefix with a 3.7M run.  Most $100 Modified banknotes can be easily found in high grade for all signature/prefix combinations.

ONE THOUSAND 1000 MILLE DOLLARS:

BC-44a/P-83a The Beattie Coyne signature combination had a mere 32,000 printed and commands the highest BV of the five signature combinations. All $1000 notes had the A/K prefix.

BC-44b/P-83b The Beattie-Rasminsky signature combination had an estimated 60,000 A/K notes produced.

BC-44c/P-83c The Bouey-Rasminsky had 96,000 A/K banknotes produced.

BC-44d/P-83d The Lawson-Bouey signature combination had 1.7M A/K banknotes issued making it the largest signature variation.

BC-44e/P-83e The Thiessen-Crow was not seen on any 1954 except the $1000 denomination, a testimony to the longevity of this largely stored & rarely circulated denomination. 240,000 banknotes were issued with this signature making it the 2nd most common of the five.

REFERNCES:

In order to really get a clear grasp of what is what in Dominion or Bank of Canada currency, no reference can shine a light to Charlton Standard Catalogue: Canadian Government Paper Money.  If you really want to collect specific note & series than I urge you to pick up a copy.  The examples above first list Charlton & then SCWPM Pick numbers to assist you in identifying each series and prefix.

1967 Commemorative $1 Issue:

BC-45a/P-84a Both the CBN & BABN printed notes for this new design/series but happily both Charlton & SCWPM chose NOT to attribute separate BV nor create separate listings for this full run & superfluous series. The Beattie-Rasminsky signature combination with 1867 1967 as the serial number were so popular that the BOC issued 12M of the dated serial number, making it the largest of any prefix issued by the BOC. Unfortunately, the Canadian public held onto these unusual Commemorative $1 notes as souvenirs and hoarded large runs (if not bundles).  Their BV has remained fairly sad flatline for the past 50 years. I believe they even sullied the collectible reputation of BC-45b/P-84b (below) since few collectors search for the scarcer serial numbered versions.

BC-45b/P-84b  Eleven full prefixes were issued (M/O-R/O & G/P-L/P) with L/O (3M), S/O (7M), F/P (2.8M) & M/P (2.7M) being the shortest of the prefixes.  The *F/P (0.08M) *L/O (0.04M) & *N/O (0.2M) command the greatest attention amongst the 4 replacements (*B/M with 0.6M found in large consecutive runs & of less consequence).   However, having said that, little hope remains for the future BV of these "mongrels" of the 1954 Series.

back to 1937

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