Canada 1954 $5 Banknote Modified Hair Beattie Rasminsky Pick 77b S/A Block XF/AU

This is an authentic 1954 Series $5 Banknote issued by the Bank of Canada / Banque du Canada (Canadian Landscape Series), featuring the young portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and Otter Falls on the reverse.

Note Specifications

• Country / Issuer: Canada (Bank of Canada)

• Denomination: $5.00 (Cinq Dollars)

• Series Date: 1954

• Catalog Numbers: Charlton #BC-39b / Pick #77b

• Portrait Variety: Modified Hair (Modified Portrait)

• Signatures: J.R. Beattie (Deputy Governor) & L. Rasminsky (Governor)

• Serial Number: S/A 7131586 (Red ink)

• Printer: Canadian Bank Note Company, Limited (CBNC)

Design Vignettes & Background

• Obverse: Engraved portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing a plain gown and diamond necklace, based on a 1952 photographic sitting by Dorothy Wilding.

• Modified Hair Variety: Following the public controversy surrounding the early 1954 "Devil's Face" notes (where the highlights behind the Queen’s ear resembled a demon's features), the plates were permanently modified to darken and smooth out the curls. Because Louis Rasminsky took office in 1961, all Beattie-Rasminsky signature pairs are of the Modified Hair variety.

• Reverse: Otter Falls at Mile 996 on the Alaska Highway in Yukon, engraved by C.A. Brenke of the Canadian Bank Note Company.