$20 Bill Gets a Royal Makeover with New Security Features
The Bank of Canada unveiled its new $20 bill featuring King Charles, replacing the previous monarch's image. The new note has enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting, including a first-of-its-kind strip that shifts as the note moves and appears 3D. Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem said this is part of their 'relentless fight against counterfeiting,' ensuring the integrity of the currency system.
The new design also includes elements chosen in consultation with Indigenous Peoples, such as culturally significant plants like cedar and wild strawberries. The note's accessibility features remain unchanged, including raised dots for visually impaired individuals. The Bank of Canada plans to do outreach in the coming months to ensure retailers and law enforcement are aware of the changes.
The new bill is made of the same polymer as the previous round of banknotes but will have a vertical design instead of horizontal. This change was also seen in the $10 vertical notes featuring Viola Desmond, which are already in circulation.