King Charles III Graces New $20 Canadian Bill

The Bank of Canada has unveiled its new version of the $20 bill, which is set to enter circulation in February 2027. The most notable change is that the design layout is now vertical, unlike previous horizontal versions.

This makes it the first paper currency in Canada to feature King Charles III's portrait, replacing that of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, whose face has appeared on 18 different bank notes since 1935.

The obverse side of the bill features an image of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, located at the site of the 1917 Battle of Vimy Ridge in France. The new polymer banknote boasts advanced security features and innovative 3D-design, including a purple security strip that makes some images appear to move when tilted.

The bill's tactile features include raised ink on the King's portrait, the large number 20, and the word 'CANADA.' The design also includes four plants with cultural relevancy to Canada's Indigenous populations: wild strawberries, western red cedar, braided sweetgrass, and arctic cotton. These are represented along with the country's 13 provinces and territories through their floral emblems.