Blog posts
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November 30, 2020
How Many Groats Are in a Noble?
For daily users of modern money, getting an understanding of the old British system of currency can be an act of confusion and wonder. But it’s also a peep into 13 centuries of European numismatic history. -
November 27, 2020
Understanding Money: Common Questions
Ever wondered who decides what goes on Canadian coins or bank notes? Or why our coins have certain names and our notes are different colours? Use this guide to help answer some of your money-related questions! -
November 2, 2020
Teaching Economics During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authentic, teachable moments show students how the Bank of Canada is helping the economy navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. -
October 21, 2020
The Story Behind the Engraving
The men on the back of this bill were part of a small community of families, a summer hunting camp called Aulatsiivik on Baffin Island. -
October 5, 2020
If I Had a Million Dollars…I’d Be Reasonably Well Off
When the Barenaked Ladies released “If I Had a $1,000,000,” they could have considered themselves reasonably rich. And today? Well, there’s this inflation thing… -
July 16, 2020
Johnson’s Counterfeits
Johnson’s entire family, two girls and five boys, was involved in the counterfeiting operation: dad made the plates, the daughters forged the signatures and the boys were learning to be engravers. -
June 29, 2020
The Reluctant Bank Note
Among 1975 $50 bill’s various design proposals were three images, three thematic colours and even three printing methods. -
June 11, 2020
Nominating an Icon for the Next $5 Bank Note
Using a Bank of Canada Museum lesson plan, nearly 200 students told us who they thought should be the bank NOTE-able Canadian on our new $5 bill. -
May 5, 2020
The “Streak of Rust” and the King of Newfoundland
Reid was on the verge of ruin, yet insisted on continuing railway construction. Suffering huge losses, and with no credit or cash resources, Reid issued wage notes to pay his employees. -
April 22, 2020
Retired Cash
In January 2021, 17 of our old bank notes will lose their legal tender status—what does that mean?