King Charles Debut on Canadian Currency Marks New Era for Bank of Canada
The Bank of Canada has unveiled its new $20 bill featuring King Charles' portrait. Governor Tiff Macklem described the unveiling as historic, highlighting that over 70 years have passed since a new monarch appeared on Canadian currency.
The new note is part of the bank's vertical series and features security technologies never before used on a Canadian bank note. The $20 bill contains a purple security stripe with elements that spin, transform, and pulse when the note is moved, making it easy to verify and difficult to counterfeit.
The bill is predominantly green and oriented vertically, with King Charles centered on the front and the Canadian National Vimy Memorial on the back. The new note will gradually enter circulation in late February 2027, marking the second bank note in the vertical series following the $10 note featuring civil rights pioneer Viola Desmond.
The $20 bill is the Bank of Canada's most-circulated currency, and King Charles' appearance on Canadian currency was announced during his coronation celebration in 2023. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne stated that the new note reflects important aspects of Canadian identity, honoring Commonwealth roots and ties with international allies.