Open this photo in gallery:
King Charles visits the British Museum in London, on Wednesday.Thomas Krych/Reuters
For the first time in about 70 years, Canada is getting a $20 bill with a new monarch appearing on the currency.
On Thursday, the Bank of Canada unveiled the new banknote during a ceremony in Ottawa.
The bill with a vertical framing features a line-work image of the King based on a photograph of the monarch taken for the currency.
Charles became King following the 2022 death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The back of the bill features an image of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. About 3,600 Canadians died at the 1917 battle at Vimy Ridge.
Introducing the new $20 bill, with its advanced and dynamic security features. You’ll start seeing this $20 bill in circulation early next year!
Learn more: https://t.co/OcZcH2N94Z#vertical20 pic.twitter.com/3LCz8aPj6y
— Bank of Canada (@bankofcanada) September 3, 2026
Circulation of the new $20 bill is scheduled to begin next February.
Since 1937, when King George VI appeared on a $20 banknote, all of Canada’s $20 bills have featured likenesses of Canada’s monarchs.
Tiff Macklem, the Governor of the Bank of Canada, noted in remarks prepared for Thursday’s unveiling ceremony, that the new bill will feature unique security features.
“Banknote security is critical for Canadian consumers and businesses and for the integrity of our currency system. With this new note, the Bank of Canada continues its relentless fight against counterfeiting – because counterfeiters are always on the job,” Mr. Macklem said.
Bank officials speaking on background cited a purple security stripe that spins and transforms when the bill is moved.
“Our new $20 note is both visually stunning and more secure than ever,” Mr. Macklem said.
In remarks prepared for the unveiling ceremony, Governor-General Louise Arbour said Canadian currency reflects the strength of the Canadian economy and the collective trust of Canadians in their democratic institutions and the future.
“Our currency affirms our sovereignty and our determination to define ourselves in the eyes of the world on our terms,” Ms. Arbour said.
“Above all this new note is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of the Bank of Canada and its partners.”