1954 Bank of Canada $50 Dollar Beattie/Coyne Bill Note Devils Face Variety-EF grade

1954 Bank of Canada $50 Dollar Beattie/Coyne Bill Note Devils Face Variety

1954 Series

Upon the death of King George VI in 1952, a new issue of Canadian paper money was prepared for the incoming monarch, Elizabeth II with a number of marked departures from previous issues. The portrait of the Queen was positioned at the right end of the face for all denominations, where it would get less wear by folding than the centered portraits of the 1937 issue. The face tint (background colour) was more complex than previous notes and the allegorical vignettes on the backs of the 1937 issue were replaced by Canadian scenes.

This issue was withdrawn beginning in 1970 because the prefix letters were almost entirely used up. There was also a large number of counterfeits of this issue appearing, particularly on the higher $50 and $100 denominations. The later signature varieties of these denominations were replaced quickly and are relatively scarce today.

Devil's Face Variety

Shortly after the 1954 issue notes appeared in circulation it was noticed that certain highlighted portions of the queen's hair created the illusion of a devil's face peering out from behind her ear. This was not an error nor was it the result of a prank, but was simply the faithful copying of the original photograph used as the model. The 'Devil's Face' portrait created enough controversy that it was decided to modify the queen's hair thereby creating two varieties of the queen's portrait on this issue.

Design

The Bank of Canada's $50 note features the devil's face portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on one side and the beach and breakers at Lockeport, Nova Scotia on the reverse. 

Packaging

Bank of Canada issued $50 dollar note for circulation in 1954. Item comes in a protective clear plastic holder in titled condition.
Note: The photo of this item is a stock image only.

Specifications