Canada Unveils New Vertical $20 Bill Featuring King Charles III
The Bank of Canada unveiled a new vertical $20 bill featuring a portrait of King Charles III on Thursday, marking a significant moment in Canadian history. The note is part of the bank's vertical series and will enter circulation in February 2027. According to Governor General Louise Arbour, the design 'affirms our sovereignty and our determination to define ourselves in the eyes of the world on our own terms.'
The new bill features distinctive symbols of Canadian identity, including a purple security stripe that makes images of maple leaves, poppies, and 20s pulse when tilted. This feature is intended to help thwart counterfeiters and allow Canadians to easily authenticate the note. The back of the bill features the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in northern France.
The unveiling comes as a strategic move to shore up support from King Charles III, who has been a key figure in Canada-US relations. During his visit to the White House in April, he reminded U.S. President Donald Trump that the monarch is Canada's official head of state. The new bill continues a tradition dating back to 1937, when King George VI first appeared on the $20 bill.