Currency often serves as a canvas to honor a nation’s remarkable achievements and showcase influential citizens who’ve left a lasting impact on its history. Canada follows this tradition, with its diverse range of bills and coins, some of which are no longer in circulation.

Despite changes in physical appearance, the faces and symbols on Canadian currency have maintained a consistent presence for over 50 years, with a few exceptions. Notably, the color-coding of Canadian money simplifies value recognition:

• Blue for $5
• Purple for $10
• Green for $20
• Red for $50
• Brown for $100

Sir Wilfrid Laurier – 5 Dollar Bill

Sir Wilfrid Laurier, considered one of the most pivotal Prime Ministers in Canadian history, is credited with shaping modern Canada. Born in 1841 into a French-speaking family, Laurier enjoyed a comfortable upbringing and later pursued a legal education at McGill University during his late adolescence.

Upon graduating, Laurier briefly practiced law before swiftly transitioning to a new role. In a matter of years, he found himself at the helm of the newspaper Le Défricheur. During this period, he passionately opposed the concept of Canadian confederation, expressing concerns that it could lead to the dominance and potential subjugation of the French minority, particularly in Quebec, by an English-majority nation.

In 1874, Laurier successfully ran for a seat in Parliament as a member of the Liberal Party of Canada, a victory that marked the beginning of an impressive 45-year continuous tenure. By 1887, he ascended to the leadership of the party, advocating for national unity between the French and English-speaking communities. Despite initial skepticism from both sides, Laurier, through his adept political skills, managed to earn their trust. His efforts culminated in his election as Prime Minister in 1896.

Laurier’s leadership in Canada proved to be transformative. Under his guidance, the ambitious Transcontinental Railway, linking Western and Eastern Canada, was successfully completed, signifying a major infrastructural achievement. Additionally, Laurier played a pivotal role in the inclusion of Alberta and Saskatchewan as provinces during his tenure. This era marked a shift for Canada, as it transitioned from its agrarian origins to embrace industrialization under Laurier’s governance.

In contemporary reflections, Laurier is widely lauded as a peacemaker who skillfully bridged the gap between English and French Canadians. His leadership is recognized for its instrumental role in laying the foundation for the modern Canada we acknowledge today.

Sir John A. MacDonald / Viola Desmond – 10 Dollar Bill

John MacDonald was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1815, and at the age of five, he immigrated to the Canadian colonies. His father, a prosperous businessman, provided him with access to a premium private education during his formative years.

Taking full advantage of his education, MacDonald, at the age of 15, was sent to Kingston, Ontario, to apprentice under a local lawyer. By the age of 19, he had established his own law office, operating independently. In 1838, MacDonald gained prominence with his first high-profile case, defending a leader of a rebel group that had conducted raids from the United States into Canadian territory. Despite the controversy surrounding the case, his impassioned defense and professionalism garnered widespread respect from all parties involved.

Following his foray into politics, MacDonald swiftly rose through the ranks and secured a seat in the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada in 1844. Over the years, his political influence expanded, solidifying him as one of the foremost figures in Canadian politics by the 1860s. A staunch proponent of uniting all Canadian provinces into a single dominion, MacDonald realized this vision in 1867 when the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia came together to form the Confederation of Canada.

John MacDonald assumed the role of Canada’s first Prime Minister on June 1st, 1867, and earned knighthood for his achievements. His leadership during the early years of the nation was marked by rapid expansion, incorporating additional British colonies such as British Columbia, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and the Northwest Territories (Alberta and Saskatchewan).

In contemporary perspectives, MacDonald’s legacy is somewhat controversial. While he is acclaimed for founding Canada, criticism arises concerning his attitudes towards Indigenous Canadians and his involvement in the establishment of residential schools. This complex legacy led to the introduction of a redesigned $10 bill featuring the face of Viola Desmond, a previously overlooked civil rights leader in Canadian history.

Queen Elizabeth II – 20 Dollar Bill

The British monarchy has long been integral to Canadian identity. Since Queen Elizabeth II assumed the throne in 1952, her presence has been prominently featured on Canadian currency, a source of national pride. Her likeness graces the 20-dollar bill, and she is also depicted on the reverse side of every coin.

Canada remains an active member of the British Commonwealth. Interestingly, the current British monarch technically holds the position of the head of state in Canada. While this is largely symbolic, acknowledging Britain’s historical role in Canada’s formation and settlement, it underscores the enduring influence of this institution on the nation throughout its history.

Queen Elizabeth II, one of the longest-reigning monarchs in recorded history, made numerous visits to Canada during her lifetime. Despite not exercising significant political power, her pivotal role in signing and approving the 1984 Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms marked a crucial milestone in the official recognition of an independent Canada. This moment stands as one of the most significant in the nation’s history.

As of 2022, Queen Elizabeth recently passed away at the age of 96. Plans are underway to feature her son and the newly crowned king, Charles III, on Canadian bills, joining the extensive list of British royalty showcased in the country’s currency. Despite a mixed response, the Canadian Mint has already initiated the production of new bills and coins.

While the monarchy enjoys significant support in Canada, there exists a faction less enthusiastic about its continuation. Some view the British monarchy as an antiquated and outdated institution that no longer accurately represents modern Canada. Others consider it a somber and distasteful reminder of the colonial era in Canada’s early history.

William Lyon Mackenzie King – 50 Dollar Bill

William Lyon Mackenzie King was born in 1874 in Kingston, Ontario. His father, John, a practicing lawyer, emphasized the value of a solid education from an early age. Young William King attended top-notch schools and later enrolled at the University of Toronto in 1891, focusing his studies on law and economics.

As a student, King frequently contributed to newspapers like the Toronto Globe and the Mail and Empire. His interest in politics led him to join the Liberal Party in 1906, where he focused on labor issues and workers’ rights. In 1908, he was elected to parliament and became the Minister of Labor as part of Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s Cabinet.

Upon Laurier’s death in 1919, King assumed leadership of the party and narrowly won the subsequent election. His initial stint as Prime Minister was brief, but he was reelected in 1926 and again in 1935. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, King played a crucial role in guiding Canada through the challenges of the Great Depression and overseeing the extensive industrialization of Canadian cities.

William Lyon Mackenzie King’s most enduring legacy lies in his leadership during the Second World War, a period that marked a pivotal moment in Canadian autonomy. Under his guidance, Canada’s foreign affairs gained independence from Great Britain. Despite occasional criticism for his views on Adolf Hitler, King declared war on Germany in September 1939 after the invasion of Poland. Canada, led by King, played a crucial role in supplying the Allies with significant resources and contributing over one million Canadians to the war effort.

While King is often remembered for his wartime leadership, a more unconventional aspect of his life has gained attention. Posthumously, it was revealed that during his lifetime, King had a profound interest in the occult. He, along with some colleagues, regularly conducted seances and other spiritualist rituals. These sessions aimed to communicate with his deceased mother, his departed dog, and even the ghost of Leonardo DaVinci. Although this facet of King’s life may seem comical, his attraction to such beliefs likely stemmed from deep emotional trauma following the deaths of his father, mother, brother, and sister within a few short years.

Sir Robert Borden – 100 Dollar Bill

Sir Robert Laird Borden, born in Grand Pré, Nova Scotia, in 1854, came from humble beginnings. Raised by financially struggling parents, his family faced challenges making ends meet during much of his childhood. Despite this difficult upbringing, Borden’s determination prevailed, and he pursued an education that would pave the way for his future in politics.

After several years as an educator, Sir Robert Laird Borden ascended to the pinnacle of a respected law firm in Halifax in 1890. Influenced by his close friend and political heavyweight Charles Tupper, Borden reluctantly entered the political arena in 1896. Despite not relishing the public aspects of politics, he viewed his role as a Member of Parliament as a civic duty. Known for his reserved demeanor, Borden projected himself as a stern, fair, and devout man poised to guide Canada into the new century.

Borden steadily climbed the ranks of the Conservative Party, and by 1911, he orchestrated an election that resulted in a surprising victory for the Conservatives. However, his time in office would be far from smooth. In 1914, as the First World War erupted, Canada, still a British colony, was automatically drawn into the conflict due to Britain’s declaration of war on Germany.

The war became a defining moment for Canada, bringing both devastation and unity. Despite its divisive nature, the conflict served as a source of national pride, showcasing exceptional performance by Canadian soldiers. Borden’s leadership during this tumultuous period was instrumental.

He adeptly managed the home front, navigating the delicate balance between pro and anti-war factions in parliament while ensuring a steady flow of troops and supplies to the Western Front in Europe. The war not only reshaped the Canadian identity but also signaled to Britain that Canada was ready to assert its status as a sovereign nation.

Coins

Penny

Canada ceased production of pennies over a decade ago in February 2013, acknowledging their dwindling significance with a mere one-cent value. As transactions evolved, the penny became obsolete, no longer carrying meaningful worth in daily exchanges.

When the penny was in circulation, it featured an image of a maple leaf on the front, with Queen Elizabeth II depicted on the back. The maple leaf, a quintessential symbol of Canada, is prominently displayed on the national flag.

Nickel

The Canadian nickel, valued at 5 cents, showcases a beaver on one side, while the other side features the British monarch, as customary. The beaver, Canada’s national animal, continues to serve as a symbolic representation of the nation.

The beaver holds a special place in Canada’s history, stemming from its colonial past. During the early days of European settlement, both French and English colonists explored the expansive Canadian wilderness in pursuit of beavers. At that time, the beavers’ pelts were highly coveted and among the most sought-after in the world.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, incorporating beaver fur into one’s attire signified the height of high fashion and served as a conspicuous symbol of wealth. The pursuit of these creatures and their pelts played a pivotal role in driving early colonial settlement, ultimately contributing to the establishment of the nation-state of Canada.

Dime

The Canadian dime, valued at 10 cents, features the renowned schooner, the Bluenose. This vessel, a technological marvel of its time, clinched four International Fishermen’s Cups, intended to bring working-class fishing boats into competitions.

The Bluenose’s triumph not only showcased the prowess of Canadian fishermen and sailors but also became a symbol for the working class, contributing to Canada’s enduring maritime heritage on both coasts.

Quarter

The distinctive feature of the Canadian 25-cent piece, commonly known as a quarter, is the caribou. These large creatures roam the expansive northern wilderness of Canada in herds numbering in the thousands.

While the standard quarter features a caribou, special editions have been minted to commemorate cultural events like the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics or the 150th celebration of confederation in 2017.

Unfortunately, these majestic animals have faced a significant decline in population over the last decade, with some Caribou species on the brink of extinction. Both provincial and federal governments are implementing measures to address this decline, but the effectiveness of these efforts remains to be seen.

Loonie

Representing a value of one Canadian dollar, the term “Loonie” originated as a colloquial expression due to the loon depicted on its side.

Introduced in 1987 to replace the one-dollar bill, the Loonie initially received mixed reviews but gained acceptance for its convenience compared to paper currency.

The loon on the coin symbolizes Canada’s stunning landscape and its intrinsic connection to nature and conservation efforts.

Toonie

Nine years after the debut of the loonie, the Canadian Mint introduced the two-dollar coin in 1996, swiftly earning the moniker “toonie.”

The two-dollar coin features two polar bears on one side, surrounded by a gold center and a silver river along the edge. This design symbolizes the Canadian Arctic and its remarkable yet challenging wildlife.

The current Canadian banknotes, featuring familiar faces, have been in circulation since 2011. Notable for their material shift to synthetic polymer, these bills are more damage-resistant, waterproof, and harder to tear. This change aimed to enhance security and deter counterfeiting.