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1954 Devils Face Series Replacement Notes
On the earliest notes of the 1954 series, highlighted areas of the Queen's hair produced the illusion of a leering demonic face behind her ear. This was not the result of an error, nor was it, as some have asserted, the prank of an IRA sympathizer at the bank note company. It was merely the faithful reproduction of the original photograph. The portrait of the Queen with the "Devil's Face" outlined in her hair generated almost instant controversy. The portrait was modified by darkening the highlights in the hair and thus removing the shading which had resulted in the "devil". The modification of the face plate was made for most denominations in 1956, except for the $1,000 which was modified several years later. See above for examples.
Prior to the 1954 issue, identical notes were made up to replace notes which were spoiled by the bank note companies during printing or by the Bank of Canada employees during signing. Parcels containing defective notes had to be set aside in the Bank's examining room until replacement notes were received from the printer. Because of this delay, and the nuisance of having to supply individually numbered notes to match those which had been spoiled, a new scheme was devised in 1953 for the issue then in preparation. Independently numbered replacement notes were printed with an asterisk preceding the serial number, and stocks of these were maintained to replace defective notes. No asterisk notes were printed for the $50, $100 or $1,000 denominations.
The signatures are of Deputy Governor James E. Coyne and Governor Graham F. Towers (top notes) and Deputy Governor John Robert Beattie and Governor James E. Coyne (bottom notes)
1954 $1 Devil's Face Replacement Notes
There were approximately 21,000 of these notes printed. In top quality, they sell for at least $3,000.00. |
© Bank of Canada - used with permission
© Bank of Canada - used with permission |
© Bank of Canada - used with permission
© Bank of Canada - used with permission |
1954 $2 Devil's Face Replacement Notes
An estimated 8,400 $2 Devil's Face asterisk notes were printed and they sell for approximately $5,000.00 when they can be found. |
1954 $5 Devil's Face Replacement Notes
Only 6,000 $5 replacement notes were issued before the modified face places were introduced. This rarity causes these notes to be worth between $7,000.00 and $11,000.00 in top quality. |
© Bank of Canada - used with permission
© Bank of Canada - used with permission |
© Bank of Canada - used with permission
© Bank of Canada - used with permission |
1954 $10 Devil's Face Replacement Notes
Slightly more $10s than $5s, but still not many, coming in at only 7,200. Perfect notes of this denomination can usually achieve selling prices of $4,000.00. |
1954 $20 Devil's Face Replacement Notes
The last denomination with asterisk notes was the $20 note and there were a scant 5,400 asterisk notes produced. Prices for these notes reach as high as $7,000.00. |
© Bank of Canada - used with permission
© Bank of Canada - used with permission |
Contributor: Anonymous
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