The Bank of Canada has unveiled a new vertical $20 bill featuring King Charles III to commemorate his accession to the throne following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
Canada’s central bank in a statement introducing the new bill noted that it would feature additional security features and be in circulation early next year.
“Introducing the new vertical $20 bank note! A new portrait of the monarch on the front, a new image of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, and brand new security features never seen before in Canada.
“You’ll start seeing this $20 bill in circulation early next year,” the Bank of Canada said in the statement.
Despite Canada gaining constitutional independence from the United Kingdom in 1982, any reigning British monarch remains the country’s head of state and they are traditionally featured on the $20 note.
It’s the first time Queen Elizabeth has not been on the bill since 1954.
“Security is our top priority when designing new bank notes. With the vertical $20 note, we’ve introduced advanced and dynamic security features never seen before in Canada.
“These security features are thoughtfully integrated with the design elements to make this a note that Canadians can use with confidence and pride,” the bank stated.
According to the bank, the note consists of a large portrait of King Charles, sitting in the middle of the bill alongside several aspects of Canadian national identity, including its 13 provinces and territories.
Additionally, the currency features the wild strawberries, western red cedar, braided sweetgrass and arctic cotton, which are four plants culturally indigenous to Canada, the famous maple leaf, Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the poppies.
“The Canadian National Vimy Memorial, located on the site of the 1917 Battle of Vimy Ridge in France, was erected in honour of Canadian service during the First World War. On the bank note, it is a tribute to Canada’s contributions and sacrifices in military conflicts throughout our history.
“Poppies are a symbol of remembrance and the importance of carrying on the memory of those lost in battle. The rendering on the bank note is a nod to the bright and hardy flowers that sprung up on battlefields and in cemeteries along the Western Front of Europe during the First World War,” the bank added.