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    Economic Opportunity Costs

    With his superpowers, Peter Parker would no doubt do a fabulous job of tiling his kitchen backsplash. But as Spider-Man, he has more valuable things to do with his time.

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    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!

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Royal Canadian Numismatic Association

By: David Bergeron


September 29, 2016

Another RCNA Convention for the Books

The 63rd annual convention of the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association (RCNA)—Canada’s show for money collectors—was held in Ottawa from 20–24 July 2016. And, judging by visitor turnout, the smiles on dealers’ faces and feedback from attendees, the event was a tremendous success. It seems that Ottawa always delivers a spectacular show for convention-goers.

Every year, the Bank of Canada Museum is invited to present a display at the RCNA convention. One of the Museum curators provides a quality exhibit that usually focuses on the numismatic history of the host city. In the past, whenever the convention was held in Ottawa (most recently in 2000 and 2008), the curators did not prepare a display because visitors could attend a reception hosted by the Bank of Canada and see most of Canada’s numismatic treasures in person at the Currency Museum. But with the Bank’s head office under full renovation, we decided to set up a display at the convention.

Demonstrating how the Queen’s portrait was prepared for the Polymer series.

Design evolution of the back of the Canadian Journey series $10 note.

How the belted kingfisher came to be on the back of the Birds of Canada series $5 note.

This year, for the RCNA’s educational symposium, I gave a presentation on the evolution of Canadian bank note design. Objects that were part of my talk, as well as other interesting examples from various series of Bank of Canada notes, complemented the presentation. The significant changes in the design process over the past 80 years were well illustrated by these artifacts.

In addition to producing informative labels to identify the exhibits, the Museum’s graphics team designed backdrops that greatly enhanced the display. The team also created a beautiful booklet of the contents—a souvenir from the Bank of Canada Museum that visitors could take home with them (Designing Canada’s Bank Notes Booklet ). Have a look at the images below; they illustrate the fabulous work of the graphics team.

A collection of portraits and vignettes for the Scenes of Canada series.

Concepts from artist Charles Comfort with versions of Queen Elizabeth’s portrait and the progression from photo to engraving.

Proposed designs for the first series of Bank of Canada notes.

The convention was also an occasion for the curators to attend meetings of the various numismatic organizations, give presentations (Paul and Raewyn also spoke), acquire material for the National Currency Collection and, best of all, reconnect with old friends. The coin-collecting community is full of interesting personalities, and each of them has a story to tell or a bit of insight to share. Without them, the National Currency Collection would be deprived of a great resource of knowledge and experience. We always look forward to the next convention to see our old friends, meet new people and learn what’s happening with collecting. Next year, the convention will be in Boucherville, Quebec, on Montréal’s South Shore across the river from Montréal East. Talk to you then!

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Content type(s): Blog
Subject(s): Reviews

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January 4, 2021

Economic Opportunity Costs

By: Graham Iddon


Man in a superhero costume crouching in an aisle of a home renovation warehouse.
With his superpowers, Peter Parker would no doubt do a fabulous job of tiling his kitchen backsplash. But as Spider-Man, he has more valuable things to do with his time.
Content type(s): Blog Subject(s): Education
November 30, 2020

How Many Groats Are in a Noble?

By: Graham Iddon


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.
Content type(s): Blog Subject(s): Collection, History
November 27, 2020

Understanding Money: Common Questions

By: Nathan Sells


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!
Content type(s): Blog Subject(s): Education
November 2, 2020

Teaching Economics During the COVID-19 Pandemic

By: Adam Young


Authentic, teachable moments show students how the Bank of Canada is helping the economy navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
Content type(s): Blog Subject(s): Education

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Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G9, CANADA
613-782-8914

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