2022-03-16 Wed

The International Bank Note Society (IBNS) has announced its inaugural 'Bank Note of the Year'. The IBNS 'Bank Note of the Year' is awarded to a banknote issued during the preceding year and it is judged on artistic merit, design, and security features. The winning entry for 2005, for notes issued during 2004, is the Bank of Canada's 20-dollar note. Released in September 2004, this note has quickly become a favorite amongst collectors.

The front features a portrait of Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, the Royal Arms of Canada, and a picture of the Centre Block of the Parliament buildings. Security features visible from the front include a holographic stripe along the left side, depicting the number 20 alternated with maple leaves; a watermark of the Queen's portrait; and a broken-up number 20.

The reverse side depicts artworks by Bill Reid, notably his sculptures Raven and the First Men and Spirit of Haida Gwaii; it also has a quotation from Gabrielle Roy. The reverse also has a visible security feature: an interleaved metallic strip, reading 20 CAN repeatedly along its length. Yellow dots representing the EURion constellation can be found on both sides.

Image Courtesy: banknoteworld.com